The transfer portal has evolved from a simple roster-building tool into a full-scale arms race. For mid-major programs, this battle becomes more difficult each year as top talent consolidates in Power Five conferences with larger NIL budgets. The days of developing a hidden gem into a star and making multiple seasons of success are fading. Instead, the moment a player emerges, they often receive lucrative NIL offers from major programs, leaving mid-majors scrambling to rebuild.
So, how can mid-majors or even lower income Power Five compete in an uneven financial landscape? The answer lies in a strategic, targeted approach to NIL spending. It’s not about trying to match Power Five budgets—it’s about making every dollar count and avoiding the trap of becoming a farm system for bigger programs.
A Focused Spending Approach
One of the biggest mistakes mid-majors make is spreading their NIL budget too thin. Instead of offering small amounts across the entire roster, and Kumbaya everyone gets money and minutes, they should focus on acquiring the best few high-impact players who can make a real difference IMO. A team full of replacement-level players won’t move the needle when it matters most.
The key is to invest strategically in four core positions:
1. Elite Rim Protector
A dominant shot-blocker is the foundation of a great defense. With a true rim protector, perimeter defenders can apply more pressure, and the entire defense benefits from a stronger interior presence. These players don’t require high offensive usage; they thrive by controlling the boards, catching lobs, and altering shots at the rim. For mid-majors, securing the best rim defender would be a great start top priority in NIL spending money in my opinion. These players typically are athletic and dunk a lot of high-efficiency shots which is also really important to get from the position. This is the archetype I would target first instead of a back to the basket post up type of player. You bolster the defense as well as likely assure a high percentage of dunks. Both are an essential foundation.
2. Lead Guard
A true lead guard is essential for offensive to function, breaking presses and creating shots. This player should be able to create offense, break down defenses, handle pressure, and facilitate scoring opportunities. Without a reliable point guard, ball movement stagnates, and the offense becomes predictable. Investing in a dynamic lead guard is an important starting point and crucial to maintaining a functional offense. Preferably I would prefer a bigger PG, but you take the best here.
3. Secondary Guard
A versatile combo guard can provide valuable depth and flexibility. This player should be capable of playing off the ball, facilitating when necessary, and defending multiple positions. Successful tournament teams often have a multi-dimensional guard who can step up in critical moments and create a shot for yourself or others. Additionally, this player serves as an insurance policy in case of injury or fouls to the primary ball handler but can play together. I think if you can get a 6-3 or bigger PG and pair them with a smaller undersized shooter who can do a little with the ball this is how you max the value and can cross match on defense. If you are spending up on a PG anyway you can probably get a little size and find a cheaper smaller shooter.
4. Two-Way Wing
While shooting is vital, a pure shooter without defensive ability becomes a liability in key moments. The ideal investment is a two-way wing who can hit shots at a high percentage (38% or better from three) while holding their own defensively. This type of player provides balance on both ends of the floor and ensures versatility in late-game situations.
Filling Out the Roster
Once the core four players are secured, the remaining roster should be built with budget-friendly options:
- Proven shooters who don’t require high usage
- Experienced transfers from lower divisions
- Specialists who excel in specific roles without large NIL demands
Prioritizing Scoring
Efficient scoring is harder to replace than defense. While defensive specialists can be found at lower costs, high-level offensive players are scarce. The NBA provides a useful comparison—offensive stars receive max contracts, while elite defenders without scoring ability often remain role players if they can get on the court at all. Mid-majors and schools with less resources should follow this principle by prioritizing shooting and offensive efficiency. Would a Tony Allen even get in an NBA rotation today? He certainly wasn’t being maxed out even a decade ago. Meanwhile James Harden could be a traffic cone and was still massively important. Offense is the more valuable skill, and can be dictated more at he point of attack
The NIL Reality Check
The Top Power Five programs last year reportedly operate with NIL budgets ranging from $4 to $7 million, often offering $500K+ to individual players. In contrast, lower end P5 were more around 2 million and most top mid-majors have a total budget of around $600K. This financial gap makes it impossible to retain top scorers when bigger programs come calling. Instead, mid-majors must target undervalued players where their top salary slot can remain competitive. Choosing the Right Players and position to overpay is important, but hopefully you get value even on these budget spots.
A Scarcity Problem in the Portal
The 2025 transfer cycle will likely be one of the most competitive in recent history. With the departure of super seniors and basically two graduating senior classes, the supply of proven high-level talent will be lower than ever. This increased demand means mid-majors must be even more selective in their NIL or revenue spending.
A growing trend is the recruitment of Division II players. Last season saw a significant increase in D2 transfers making an impact at the mid-major level, and this year, that trend will likely be even more critical for mid majors. Freshman recruiting should be avoided unless a player demonstrates elite production at the high school level but remains under-recruited. Think a big guard like Tristen Newton averaging 38ppg, 9rpg, 4apg for a top 5 team in 5A in Texas. If you can get a freshmen like then sure.
Leverage Your Investments
Some programs, like Drake, have successfully embraced the model of playing their best players. As Head Coach Ben McCollum put it, “Depth is so overrated. What does it mean? You can play 10 guys so five guys get out of rhythm?”
I’m very much of this mindset for the lower resource schools especially, but for any should looking to max their investment. You can get 35+minutes out of your 4 or so players you play if you don’t try to run. Managing the game and keeping it lower possession has always been a way to compete up with better teams.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the biggest budget—it’s about using it the smartest way possible. For mid-majors, strategic spending and roster construction are the keys to competing in the ever-changing landscape of college basketball.
