Former Alabama shot-putter Isaac Odugbesan is a prime example of a competitive journey that didn't end after college.
After receiving (and initially ignoring) a DM from a WWE talent scout, he took the leap from SEC champion to WWE hopeful through the company’s first NIL (“Next In Line”) class in 2021.
Five years later, now known as Oba Femi, he’s a two-time NXT Champion and the first NIL athlete to compete at WrestleMania.
Femi is part of a growing wave of former college athletes who are translating the discipline, adaptability and mindset developed in college sports into success in WWE.
The transition isn’t easy. Many athletes must learn entirely new physical skills and adapt quickly outside their comfort zones.
But for those willing to take the risk, programs like WWE’s NIL pathway offer a rare second act — one that allows athletes to extend their competitive identity, explore new potential and perform on one of the biggest stages in sports entertainment.
📲 LINK IN BIO TO READ MORE
Former Alabama shot-putter Isaac Odugbesan is a prime example of a competitive journey that didn't end after college.
After receiving (and initially ignoring) a DM from a WWE talent scout, he took the leap from SEC champion to WWE hopeful through the company’s first NIL (“Next In Line”) class in 2021.
Five years later, now known as Oba Femi, he’s a two-time NXT Champion and the first NIL athlete to compete at WrestleMania.
Femi is part of a growing wave of former college athletes who are translating the discipline, adaptability and mindset developed in college sports into success in WWE.
The transition isn’t easy. Many athletes must learn entirely new physical skills and adapt quickly outside their comfort zones.
But for those willing to take the risk, programs like WWE’s NIL pathway offer a rare second act — one that allows athletes to extend their competitive identity, explore new potential and perform on one of the biggest stages in sports entertainment.
📲 LINK IN BIO TO READ MORE
