Keith Vorkink
ON THE RECORD · 7 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“I think we all realize the value that they bring economically to the athletic department and the university and they should be able to participate in it. But legislative solutions like protecting college sports, it's not perfect, but it really goes a long way in providing stability, and some governance in this world that we're supportive of.”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink said legislative solutions would provide stability and governance in NIL compensation.
“AJ didn't know much about BYU. A lot of that was because (head coach) Kevin Young came from the NBA and he wondered, could Kevin help him prepare to play in the NBA. That got him here. There were other schools who are offering him more compensation than he received here, which is consistent with our philosophy. But he thrived,”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink described how AJ Dybantsa came to BYU despite other schools offering more compensation.
“He spoke publicly about his love for BYU and how much he enjoyed being here. That helped gets the word out to other people who are like, well, is BYU too weird or not? Can I thrive? And we believe that student athletes, if they understand the mission, accommodate or embrace it, they can have a good experience here.”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink said Dybantsa's public praise of BYU helped dispel concerns among prospective student-athletes.
“Our work was to figure out our play in the NIL space, but in doing so to never displace the primary role of our mission. Our football coach, as an example, Kalani Satake embraces the distinctive role of the university and the athletic department. We want student athletes coming because of, for example, in football, the culture that Kalani brings to that that aligns to the university and the church,”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink explained that BYU's NIL strategy does not displace the university's mission and that coach Kalani Sitake's culture aligns with the school and church.
“But there's rumored payment of players long before NIL. We're a university that does our best to adhere to whatever the policies are at the time. We're grateful for the avenue that opened up for us to participate in that space and do so in compliance.”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink told OutKick that BYU adheres to policies and is grateful for the NIL avenue opening up.
“I'm not throwing anyone under the bus,”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink told OutKick that BYU adheres to policies and is grateful for the NIL avenue opening up.
“I think every university would want more stability, more of a solid framework around the compensation of student-athletes,”
Keith Vorkink · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-07
Vorkink said every university would want more stability and a solid framework around student-athlete compensation.