Lions WR Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, Big Ten and SEC
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has taken legal action against three of college football's most powerful institutions.
Williams filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference on Monday in Los Angeles County court, according to The California Post. The case centers on one central claim that he was never fairly compensated for the use of his name, image and likeness.
"To date, Williams has received no fair compensation from Defendants for the full commercial value of his name, image, and likeness," his filing states, per New York Post. "Defendants continuously financially benefit from Jameson Williams' name, image and likeness rights, while also doing so without providing him with just compensation."
Williams played college football at both Ohio State University and the University of Alabama, giving all three organizations direct ties to his identity and profile. He argues those entities used his NIL in social media posts and televised highlight reels while he was left with nothing.
As his filing puts it, he has been paid "less - zero - than he otherwise would have received" in an open and competitive market.
What Jameson Williams Is Asking For
Beyond financial compensation, Williams is also seeking an injunction that would bar the NCAA, Big Ten and SEC from continuing to profit off his NIL without his consent and proper payment. It is a significant ask that could have wider implications depending on how the case develops.
Williams was selected 12th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him a recognizable name in college football circles well before he ever played a professional snap. He began his college career with the Ohio State Buckeyes across the 2019 and 2020 seasons before transferring to Alabama.
His one season with the Crimson Tide was enough to put him on the map. Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns across 15 starts in 2021, earning First-Team All-American honors. He declared for the draft after that season despite tearing his ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Williams' NFL Career So Far
Through four NFL seasons Williams has appeared in 50 games, hauling in 148 passes for 2,513 yards and 19 touchdowns including two rushing scores.
According to Spotrac, he has already earned over $31 million and could reach $112 million if he sees out his current deal with Detroit.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 3:57 PM.