Across the country, student-athletes are returning to fields and gymnasiums. Stadiums are roaring to life, tailgates stretch for miles, and millions of Americans are devoting hours to college sports. Still, behind the highlight reels and packed stands, college athletics stands at a crossroads.

Undoubtedly, the expansion of name, image, and likeness opportunities has empowered student-athletes to benefit from their talent. This development is a good thing. Unfortunately, shady agents, bad actors, and a patchwork of state laws threaten to undermine the progress student-athletes have made.

Between stories of athletes leaving their teams midseason over NIL-related disputes and bad actors taking advantage of the moment, it’s clear to student-athletes, college programs, and fans alike that the current pathway is unsustainable.

There are signs of progress, though. The recent House v. NCAA settlement was an important step forward. The agreement established revenue-sharing and paid almost $3 billion in damages to recently graduated student-athletes who were wrongly blocked from profiting off........

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