When it comes to NIL money in mid-majors, it isn’t about competing against your conference foes, it’s about battling Power 5 schools from plucking your players, Trent Dilfer says.

The UAB coach spoke Sunday at the NIL Summit where he was asked how much NIL money is needed for the Blazers to compete in the American Athletic Conference.

That’s not the issue, the former NFL quarterback explained.

“I don’t know if we know in our hearts because when it comes down to retention – cause that’s really what you want to use it for is retention – who are you competing against?” he said, per On3.

“I’m not competing against Tulane and UTSA for retention. I’m competing against Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Clemson, South Carolina, right? That’s who I’m competing against. So how can I say – if they can offer $400,000, do I need to even offer $50(‚000)? Right?

“So, do you even try to retain that player? If you develop a player, and he’s good enough to make that type of money at a program that would be perceived up from us – economically, for sure – well, as a player-centric coach, isn’t it my job to encourage him to take that money if he doesn’t hurt his chances of making generational wealth at the next level. And there lies the kicker.”

Dilfer also shared his “retention” pitch as well as his thoughts on how he can maximize NIL at UAB.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Music App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.