Breaking: Ole Miss Star Malik Dia Turns Down $7.5M NIL Offers to Stay Loyal, Snubs Alabama, Notre Dame & Texas
In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping the college sports landscape, Ole Miss forward Malik Dia has made headlines with a decision that bucks the trend. The rising star has reportedly turned down NIL offers totaling a staggering $7.5 million from powerhouse programs including Alabama, Notre Dame, and the Texas Longhorns — all to stay at Ole Miss.
This move comes as a surprise to many across the college basketball world, especially considering the magnitude of the offers on the table. Sources close to the situation reveal that multiple programs were willing to make Dia one of the highest-paid players in college basketball through NIL endorsements, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to Ole Miss.
Dia, who transferred to Ole Miss from Belmont in April 2024, has quickly established himself as a key player in the Rebels’ rotation. Standing at 6-foot-9, the Nashville native has brought a combination of size, athleticism, and scoring prowess that has made him a cornerstone for head coach Chris Beard’s system. In his standout performance earlier this year against No. 4 Alabama, Dia dropped 23 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, leading the Rebels to a statement 74-64 win — a game that put the national spotlight on his abilities.
His rise has been meteoric. At Belmont, Dia averaged 16.9 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game, earning All-MVC honors. He began his college career at Vanderbilt but found his rhythm after transferring. His game has since matured, making him a hot commodity in the NIL market and a top target for elite programs aiming to contend for national titles.
Yet despite the millions on the table, Dia chose loyalty over luxury.
“I came to Ole Miss because I believe in what we’re building here,” Dia said in a statement released through the university. “Coach Beard and this team have given me a platform to grow, not just as a player, but as a person. The money is tempting, sure, but legacy and loyalty mean more to me right now.”
College basketball insiders say this decision could have long-term implications. It not only boosts Ole Miss’ profile but also sends a message to recruits nationwide: there’s more to college sports than just chasing the biggest bag.
While NIL opportunities continue to evolve and redefine player mobility, Dia’s loyalty to the Rebels stands out as a refreshing counter-narrative — one driven by personal growth, team culture, and the desire to build something special from the ground up.
With the 2025–26 season on the horizon, expectations are now sky-high for both Dia and Ole Miss. The Rebels are expected to be a top contender in the SEC, and with Dia staying put, fans are dreaming big — maybe even of a deep NCAA Tournament run.
In a world of quick transfers and high-dollar deals, Malik Dia just proved that sometimes, staying loyal is the boldest move of all.
