Nebraska Cornhuskers Star Jaz Shelley Rejects Historic $37 Million NIL Offer from Texas Longhorns: “My Loyalty Lies with the Nebraska Cornhuskers Forever”
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across the collegiate athletics landscape, Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s basketball star Jaz Shelley has reportedly rejected a historic $37 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal from the Texas Longhorns. Shelley, known not only for her sharp shooting and leadership on the court but also for her unwavering commitment to Nebraska, made a bold statement:
“My loyalty lies with the Nebraska Cornhuskers forever.”
The offer, which sources close to the situation say would have made Shelley the highest-paid athlete in the history of women’s college sports, was designed to lure the Australian-born guard to Austin for her final year of eligibility. Instead, Shelley chose loyalty, legacy, and love for her school over life-changing financial gain.
The Rise of a Husker Legend
Jaz Shelley, a 5-foot-9 guard from Moe, Victoria, Australia, transferred to Nebraska from Oregon in 2021. Since then, she has become the heartbeat of the Huskers program, leading the team in scoring, assists, and intensity. Her tenacity, basketball IQ, and clutch shooting have turned her into a fan favorite and a respected voice in the locker room.
In her junior and senior seasons, Shelley averaged over 15 points per game while dishing out more than 5 assists. She earned All-Big Ten honors and helped lead Nebraska to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, revitalizing interest in the women’s program and drawing record attendance at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Her choice to stay reflects not just personal loyalty, but a commitment to growing something greater than herself—building a legacy at Nebraska that will inspire generations of female athletes.
The Offer That Shook College Sports
According to multiple NIL insiders, Texas boosters organized a $37 million multi-year NIL package that included national brand endorsements, exclusive media deals, luxury housing, and performance bonuses. It would have made Shelley one of the most marketable athletes in college basketball history.
For comparison, top WNBA players currently earn less than $250,000 in base salary. The offer to Shelley underscores how radically NIL has transformed the landscape, where top college players can now command compensation previously unheard of outside professional leagues.
Yet despite the allure, Shelley walked away.
“I won’t lie—$37 million is life-changing. But some things can’t be bought,” Shelley told Husker Sports Radio. “What we’re building here in Lincoln is real. We’re not just winning games; we’re making history. And I want to finish what we started.”
A Defining Moment for College Athletics
Shelley’s decision could mark a turning point in how athletes weigh NIL money against team culture, development, and loyalty. While many players have taken advantage of transfer opportunities and lucrative NIL deals to switch schools, Shelley’s stance highlights that some stars still value school pride and long-term impact over short-term profit.
Nebraska head coach Amy Williams praised her star guard’s decision:
“Jaz embodies everything great about college athletics—grit, loyalty, heart. She had every reason to walk away and instead chose to double down on her commitment to this team and our fans. That speaks volumes.”
Fans React with Overwhelming Support
Husker Nation responded with a flood of gratitude and admiration. The hashtag #LoyalToTheN trended on social media within hours of the announcement. Fans have begun petitioning for Shelley to be honored with a mural on campus and have flooded local NIL collectives with donations in her name.
Some have even called for the creation of a “Jaz Shelley Loyalty Award” to be given annually to the Nebraska athlete who best exemplifies dedication to the university.
Looking Ahead
With Shelley returning, Nebraska’s 2025 roster is poised for greatness. Alongside incoming freshmen and rising stars like Alexis Markowski and Natalie Potts, the Huskers are expected to be contenders for the Big Ten title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Shelley’s decision not only fortifies the team’s competitive edge but also reaffirms Nebraska as a premier destination for student-athletes who value more than just a paycheck.
“This is my family. This is my home. I didn’t come here to chase dollars. I came here to win and to leave a legacy. That’s what Nebraska means to me,” Shelley said.
In an age where college sports increasingly resemble free agency, Jaz Shelley’s loyalty stands as a rare and powerful statement. While $37 million might buy luxury, it clearly can’t buy heart—and Shelley’s heart, it seems, belongs to the Huskers.
