On Thursday, a report surfaced from 247Sports’ Bruin Report Online suggesting that UCLA edge rusher Mitchell Agude entered the transfer portal in part to capitalize on potential earnings through NIL deals.

After announcing in January that he planned to return for his super-senior year with the Bruins, Agude reversed course Wednesday and put his name into the portal. According to Bruin Report Online, the graduate transfer was presented with potential NIL deals associated with three other programs—two of them Pac-12 teams. One was said to be valued at $60,000, according to the report.

Shortly after the report was published, UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson hit back at what he felt was a narrative suggesting Agude was more focused on money than football.

“He plays football because he loves football and cares about the sport, not for money,” Thompson-Robinson wrote. “He’s leaving UCLA because that’s what’s best for him athletically. Stop creating narratives for players without real info.”

Agude sent a message to Bruins fans Wednesday evening addressing his transfer and thanking the UCLA program for taking him in. He arrived in Westwood prior to the 2020 season by way of the junior college ranks.

He played in all seven of UCLA’s games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season while drawing five starts. He posted 24 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks. In 2021, Agude was once again one of the Bruins’ best defensive playmakers. His 54 tackles ranked third on the team. He added 6.5 TFLs, four forced fumbles, three pass breakups, and a pair of sacks. His play earned him a spot on the All-Pac-12 Second Team.

Agude was expected to be a featured player on the Bruins in 2021. He should have no shortage of suitors, be it teams looking for his on-field services or companies looking to pay him in NIL deals. The latter shouldn’t come as a shock. Such deals are happening all over college football.