USC signee Matai Tagoa’i to receive NIL earnings in Bitcoin

USC signee Matai Tagoa’i has made headlines by being one of the first athletes to receive part of his NIL earnings in Bitcoin. This four-star linebacker and top-100 recruit in the 2025 cycle has teamed up with the Bitcoin app Strike to accept a portion of his NIL payments in the form of Bitcoin. The announcement of this groundbreaking deal was made just last Thursday.

The USC NIL collective House of Victory played a key role in facilitating this deal, making Tagoa’i the first college athlete to accept his NIL collective agreement in Bitcoin. Hailing from San Clemente, California, Tagoa’i had a tough decision to make, ultimately choosing USC over Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and Washington.

In a statement, Tagoa’i expressed his excitement about this new opportunity, stating, “This is a game-changer for me. By taking part of my NIL earnings in Bitcoin, I’m setting myself up for long-term financial growth. I’m grateful to Strike, House of Victory, and 3Point0 Labs for helping me take this step. I’m proud to be part of this innovative collaboration that’s redefining the future of college athletics and finance and hope to set an example for other young athletes to think about their financial future.”

NIL collectives have become an essential part of college football, aiding in roster retention and talent acquisition in both high school and the transfer portal. USC’s House of Victory continues to push boundaries by compensating a top recruit in the 2025 cycle with Bitcoin, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of college sports.

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Tagoa’i will be playing as a WILL linebacker, showcasing his versatility on the field. Spencer Harris, the executive director of House of Victory, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for student-athletes, stating, “House of Victory is proud to be at the forefront of developments in the NIL space and to provide unparalleled access and opportunities for our student-athletes. We’re proud to help facilitate this arrangement for Matai and help him achieve his goals on and off the field.”