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“lol at its peak”: CFB fans left in splits as USC linebacker signee Matai Tagoa’i agrees to accept part of his NIL earnings in Bitcoin
USC signee Matai Tagoa’i has made history by becoming one of the first student-athletes to receive their NIL earnings in Bitcoin. The deal will see him receive part of his NIL earnings in Bitcoin as part of a partnership with Strike, a Bitcoin app. The deal, which was announced on Thursday, has received different reactions from fans on social media.
An X user, Phillip Mountbatton had a hilarious reaction, commenting:
“Lol at its peak. Oops.”
“What’s the difference between this and someone just using their NIL money to buy Bitcoin?”
“Couldn’t he just take the money normally and then just buy Bitcoin.”
However, for others like Brother Satoshi, it was a smart move. They wrote:
“The smartest player in college football.”
It was merely about observing an emerging trend in college football for another fan, Channing Griffin, who wrote:
“Bitcoin making its way onto the scene in college athletics.”
Matai Tagoa’i’s take on his NIL deal
Matai Tagoa’i’s deal with Strike was set up by House of Victory, USC’s NIL collective. Tagoa’i took an unprecedented step in college athletics by agreeing to be paid in Bitcoin for his NIL.
Matai Tagoa’i put out a statement following the deal. He wrote:
“This is a game changer for me. By taking part of my NIL earnings in Bitcoin, I’m setting myself up for long-term financial growth. I’m grateful to Strike, House of Victory and 3PointO Labs for helping me take this step. I’m proud to be part of this innovative collaboration that’s redefining the future of college athletics and finance and hope to set an example for other young athletes to think about their financial future.”
Since its introduction, NIL has become a notable feature of the college football world. It continues to play an important role in how programs retain talent and recruit out of high school and the transfer portal.
Tagoa’i is a product of San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California. He is a top-100 prospect in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also the No. 7 player in his position nationally. He was recruited by top programs including Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Washington.
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