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Nate Ament is one of the most highly sought after players in the 2025 recruiting class. The forward is considered a Top 5 prospect nationally, and the No. 1 player in the state of Virginia.
His recruitment has been one of interest to a number of programs and fanbases. It’s also come with a unique NIL caveat.
Ament is essentially auctioning off his recruitment. He’s teamed up with crowdfunding site Fanstake, which allows fans to “stake” money to the college they’d like to see him attend. The money earned becomes NIL income after his commitment is made official.
Louisville had long been the favorite to land that pledge. He’s been a top priority for Pat Kelsey as he continues his turnaround with the Cardinals. Things have changed in his recruitment over the last few weeks.
Nate Ament was expected to make his commitment at the McDonald’s All-American Game earlier this month. That didn’t happen. Instead, he pushed his pledge date back in order to keep his options open. That decision might pay off in terms of his NIL payday.
Anonymous boosters are trying to buy Nate Ament’ commitment.
His five finalists include the Vols and Cardinals, along with Arkansas, Duke, and Kentucky. Tennessee has jumped ahead of Louisville according to recent reports.
Soon after those Volunteer rumors started swirling, an anonymous booster donated $5,600 to Ament’s Tennessee fund.
Ament’s Fanstake totals are currently as follows:
Louisville – $88,000
Kentucky – $49,075
Duke – $25,940
Tennessee – $13,325
The large majority of that Tennessee cash has flooded in since Nate Ament’s supposed change of heart.
College fanbases are trying to buy Ament’s commitment. The five-star forward will receive 90% of the NIL totals for the school he chooses after making that pledge. The other 10% will be split between Fanstake and his new teammates. Donations from the “losers” in his recruitment will be refunded.
The Vols are supposedly the new leader in the clubhouse. Fans are giving Ament a taste of what’s to come should he sign with Tennessee.