In a candid and forward-looking interview, former USC Trojan Reggie Bush made a powerful return to the national spotlight—not just as a legendary Heisman Trophy winner whose award was finally reinstated, but as a voice of clarity on the direction college sports must take in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

For years, Bush's legacy was mired in controversy after the NCAA determined he received "improper benefits" during his college career, ultimately leading to his Heisman being vacated in 2010. That decision came at a time when college athletes had no legal avenue to monetize their own name or image—a restriction that has since been overturned with the advent of NIL reform.

Now, nearly two decades later, Bush is using his platform to offer insight into the critical next steps college sports must take to ensure fairness and sustainability in the NIL era.

"College Sports Is Big Business—It's Time to Treat Players Accordingly"

Bush didn't mince words when discussing the current landscape:

“College football and basketball—it's a big money business, right? And they're profiting a lot of money off of these players. So, these players deserve a piece of the pie.”

This reality is no longer debatable. As universities rake in billions from media deals, merchandising, and ticket sales, the players—many of whom risk their health and delay professional careers—are finally beginning to see the financial benefits of their efforts through NIL deals.

But Bush argues that NIL alone is not enough.

From NIL to Employment Rights

Bush's most significant proposal? Recognize college athletes as employees of their universities.

“The next step is for them to get paid by the universities as employees. And then from there, they have to unionize… to be able to collectively bargain.”

This statement mirrors a growing movement—both legal and cultural—pushing for a complete reclassification of college athletes. A number of legal challenges, including recent NLRB rulings, suggest the tide is turning toward treating athletes not merely as students, but as workers with labor rights.

Striking the Balance with the Transfer Portal

While Bush embraces the empowerment that comes with NIL and the transfer portal, he's also wary of the unintended consequences.

“I love the fact that the players have more power back in their hands... But at the same time, I don't want to see guys just jumping ship.”

Bush cautions that while player mobility is essential, returning to the days where athletes had to sit out a year after transferring could be damaging to their long-term prospects—especially in sports like football and basketball, where time off the field can drastically impact development and draft stock.

A Call for Accountability—On Both Sides

Bush's reflections underscore a broader truth: the transformation of college athletics requires responsibility from both athletes and institutions. Players should have the freedom to make decisions in their best interest, but they should also be encouraged to work through challenges and embrace competition.

At Saluja Law, we echo Reggie Bush's call for a more equitable, transparent, and forward-thinking college sports system. As legal advocates for student-athletes, especially those navigating complex NIL and immigration intersections, we believe the next frontier lies in formal labor rights, collective bargaining, and real legal protections.

NIL is not just a reform—it's a beginning. And with influential voices like Bush leading the charge, we're hopeful that the NCAA and universities will finally recognize the true value of their athletes.