Brandon Copeland

When Brandon Copeland played college football at the University of Pennsylvania, no one was talking about student-athletes as entrepreneurs. Fast forward to today, and the game has changed. In this powerful keynote, Brandon unpacks the rapid evolution of college sports, from the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights to the rising expectations on young athletes to monetize, lead, and manage their personal brands like pros. Drawing from his own journey from Ivy League athlete to NFL veteran, entrepreneur, professor, and investor, Brandon sheds light on the opportunities and pitfalls athletes face in this new era. He offers practical guidance on how schools, brands, and athletes can build mutually beneficial ecosystems that prioritize education, long-term wealth building, and character development. Whether you’re an athletic director, coach, athlete, or brand partner, this keynote will leave you rethinking what college sports should be, and inspired to be part of shaping what’s next.