Inside the NIL: Beaux Collins creates brand, learns about business along the way

Collins poses in front of Mellow Mushroom last week. (Photo by Susan Lloyd)CLEMSON – The photographer wanted to take a candid shot of Clemson wide receiver Beaux Collins eating a slice of Mellow Mushroom pizza, but Collins couldn’t hide his trademark smile or the laughs when his girlfriend, Tiger softball star Alia Logoleo, made wisecracks about the process. That smile, a set of grounded parents, and Collins’ humility make him the perfect example of why the NIL has a chance to work in college sports.

Collins, who hails from California and played at the same high school as quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, made his collegiate debut last weekend in the Tigers’ 49-3 victory over SC State, catching…