CSC Launches NIL Investigation into LSU: What It Means and Why It Matters
The College Sports Commission (CSC) has officially opened an investigation into LSU over potential violations tied to unreported Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, according to a Jan. 15 email obtained by The Athletic. The inquiry, led by CSC’s head of investigations Katie B. Medearis, was addressed to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and requested a phone call with either him or the university’s compliance staff.
At the heart of the investigation is whether LSU failed to report one or more NIL agreements involving third-party entities - a requirement under the evolving rules governing athlete compensation. While the timing raised eyebrows, especially given LSU football’s recent dominance in the transfer portal, the investigation is reportedly not connected to the football program.
This marks the first known probe by the CSC, a newly formed regulatory body established by the power conferences in the wake of the 2024 House settlement. The CSC was created to oversee revenue sharing and ensure transparency and compliance in NIL deals - a landscape that’s rapidly reshaping college athletics.
In a brief public statement, the CSC confirmed it had contacted several schools about potential NIL violations but declined to offer further details. “As previously indicated, the CSC has reached out to several schools to inform them of investigations into unreported NIL deals,” a spokesperson said.
As for LSU, the university acknowledged the inquiry and expressed confidence in a swift resolution. “We have been in regular communication with the CSC since the organization's formation and appreciate their ongoing collaboration and guidance,” said LSU spokesperson Zach Greenwell.
“We anticipate this specific inquiry will be resolved shortly. We will not comment further on regulatory matters.”
So far, the CSC hasn’t disclosed which athletes, sports, or NIL deals are under review. That leaves a lot of unanswered questions - not just for LSU, but for schools across the country navigating this new regulatory era. With LSU as the first major program under the CSC’s microscope, how the school responds and how the commission enforces its rules could set the tone for what comes next.
This isn’t just about one school - it’s about the future of NIL oversight. The CSC’s ability to investigate, substantiate, and enforce will be tested here. And for athletic departments everywhere, this is a clear signal: the days of NIL’s wild west may be coming to an end.