Mentorship Over Money: Gus Felder on the NCAA Settlement and the Future of Player Development
What Nebraska Football’s Director of Player Development sees coming—and why now is the time to double down on purpose.
There’s a shift happening in college athletics.
And while most headlines are focused on the money—back pay, revenue sharing, and roster restrictions—those of us in the player development space know the story runs much deeper.
That’s why I sat down with Gus Felder, Director of Player Development for Nebraska Football, for one of the most important conversations we’ve had on The Player Development Pod.
Gus brings not only years of experience as a coach, mentor, and builder of men—but also firsthand insight into what this new NCAA model means for athletes, departments, and the future of our work.
🎙️ In this conversation, we cover:
Gus’s first reaction to hearing about the NCAA House Settlement—and what immediately concerned him
The biggest risks athletes now face in a model where payment can overshadow purpose
Why the player development role is now more essential than ever
How Nebraska Football is preparing for this shift—and how other schools can follow suit
The non-negotiables Gus believes every department must hold on to
A powerful reflection on mentorship, identity, and what money can’t fix
His direct message to athletes entering this new “Paid Era” of college sports
🔍 Key Questions We Tackled
When you first heard about the settlement, what came to mind?
What’s your biggest concern for athletes in this new model?
What areas can player development provide immense value in this new model?
How are you preparing internally—or how would you recommend others do it?
And in reflecting on his own journey:
What couldn’t money solve in your journey?
Where did mentorship play a key role?
What would you want to say to athletes stepping into this new paid era?
What’s one thing you wish departments would never forget?
💬 Why This Episode Matters
This episode isn’t just for player development professionals—it’s for athletic directors, coaches, compliance teams, alumni staff, and student-athlete support professionals. The NCAA’s House Settlement isn’t just changing payroll structures—it’s redefining the athlete experience.
And if we’re not careful, the developmental, human, and cultural elements that built programs like Nebraska could be overlooked in pursuit of short-term wins.
Gus makes it clear: this is a time for courage, not confusion. For clarity, not chaos.
🎧 Ready to Listen?
Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts—or watch the full video on YouTube:
📘 Recommended Resources
The Player Development Guide (Book) – Learn the foundational framework
Player Development Plan Course – Step-by-step blueprint to build your department
If you lead athletes, serve athletes, or work behind the scenes in college sports—this is a must-listen.
Let me know what stood out. Let me know what you're doing in your department. And let’s keep building what matters—beyond the field.