2026 Recruiting: Olivia Vukosa

[southie]

So, she made her official visit to Ohio State this past weekend

Looks like she’s on a official visit at OSU right now, based on ig

And, the entire family made the trip to Columbus. She has like 3 younger sisters based on the photos

 

[WFFL]

I think she ends up at UNC.

Welp Barnie blew it again , this didnt age well . I wonder what happened .....

 

[MilfordHusky]

LSU and Texas had a home visit over the last two weeks with Olivia.There is still a very strong relationship between Christ, the King and Uconn. I like our chances a lot.

CTK has a graduate going into the Hall of Fame tomorrow. Another is just a few years behind. Both were NPOYs at UConn.

 

[Zarathustra]

So, she made her official visit to Ohio State this past weekend


And, the entire family made the trip to Columbus. She has like 3 younger sisters based on the photos

I loved the family photo portraits!!! A great family.... The Vukosa family
(almost) has tongues as lovely as my MOM's! Remember Olivia, your parents
and siblings want to see you play in A LOT of basketball games! Think of
your extended Croatian Family when you choose.

 

[Rings R Us]

Looks like Olivia is visiting Texas this weekend.

I know she's made a few unofficial visits to UConn, I hope we are the last official visit she takes this fall and we can seal the deal.

 

[Charliebball]

In my recent comment that the Big"O" would hopefully choose UConn over the other schools in the mix, I neglected to consider NIL payments.......I would assume that UConn can't necessarily compete with the likes of OSU, Texas, LSU or SC.....don't know if we'll find out if that was the determining factor....

 

[Tonyc]

Nika is friends with the BIG O

 

[visitingcock]

In my recent comment that the Big"O" would hopefully choose UConn over the other schools in the mix, I neglected to consider NIL payments.......I would assume that UConn can't necessarily compete with the likes of OSU, Texas, LSU or SC.....don't know if we'll find out if that was the determining factor....

South Carolina is not in the same NIL bracket as LSU and Texas. SEC? Yes, so there is some money, but not near their level. Millionaire gamecock football players are few while being commin in Texas and LA.

 

[HuskyNan]

Olivia will be rich from NIL no matter what school she attends. She already has NIL contracts

 

[Charliebball]

South Carolina is not in the same NIL bracket as LSU and Texas. SEC? Yes, so there is some money, but not near their level. Millionaire gamecock football players are few while being commin in Texas and LA.

I'm just assuming that those other schools have more wealthy financial backers than UConn..........does the SC women's team turn a profit or are they a money loser?

 

[Bone Dog]

I'm just assuming that those other schools have more wealthy financial backers than UConn..........does the SC women's team turn a profit or are they a money loser?

I’m not sure the profit sharing amounts to much compared to endorsements. Plus, I’d be surprised if there was any precise method for determining what the profits actually are and how to distribute shares.

The NIL situation has evolved quite a bit in 6 years. When Paige arrived, she already had substantial earnings before her freshman season had even begun. Azzi too. Their income had next to nothing to do with UConn as Geno emphasized in early pressers. The main issue was avoiding deals that might be construed as violations of some obscure NCAA rule or other.

Schools scrambled to organize endorsement collectives in the next couple of years, an arrangement that had been prohibited prior to NIL. And some schools found a way to share merchandise sales profits with the players: caps and tshirts. These structures are still the norm and kids are not typically paid simply to play. But that will soon become the norm, and I think we can all see it coming.

For her part, Olivia has simply returned to the older form of NIL, signing endorsement deals independent of whatever school she attends. I applaud her initiative just as I did Paige’s and Azzi’s.

 

[Charliebball]

I’m not sure the profit sharing amounts to much compared to endorsements. Plus, I’d be surprised if there was any precise method for determining what the profits actually are and how to distribute shares.

The NIL situation has evolved quite a bit in 6 years. When Paige arrived, she already had substantial earnings before her freshman season had even begun. Azzi too. Their income had next to nothing to do with UConn as Geno emphasized in early pressers. The main issue was avoiding deals that might be construed as violations of some obscure NCAA rule or other.

Schools scrambled to organize endorsement collectives in the next couple of years, an arrangement that had been prohibited prior to NIL. And some schools found a way to share merchandise sales profits with the players: caps and tshirts. These structures are still the norm and kids are not typically paid simply to play. But that will soon become the norm, and I think we can all see it coming.

For her part, Olivia has simply returned to the older form of NIL, signing endorsement deals independent of whatever school she attends. I applaud her initiative just as I did Paige’s and Azzi’s.

I certainly hope that recruiting decisions by any athlete aren't ruled by financial considerations but that seems to be what's happening with some athletes at the highest levels these days......

 

[HuskyNan]

I certainly hope that recruiting decisions by any athlete aren't ruled by financial considerations but that seems to be what's happening with some athletes at the highest levels these days......

But then, how many coaches are willing to go to Croatia for a home game for one of their players?

 

[Geew1992]

I'm just assuming that those other schools have more wealthy financial backers than UConn..........does the SC women's team turn a profit or are they a money loser?

I don't remember the amount, SC players all get one specific amount. Maybe one of the SC posters know... @GamecockFam @Gamecockfan77

 

[southie]

In my recent comment that the Big"O" would hopefully choose UConn over the other schools in the mix, I neglected to consider NIL payments.......I would assume that UConn can't necessarily compete with the likes of OSU, Texas, LSU or SC.....don't know if we'll find out if that was the determining factor....

If the rumors are true, Texas was willing to give 2025 Aaliyah Chavez up to $1 million in NIL. But, when NBA player Trae Young (and his Dad who works for Jumpman brand) upped their bid to the rumored $1.5 million, Texas bowed out. So, hopefully, Texas has that "extra" NIL for Olivia. 🤣

 

[southie]

Looks like Olivia is visiting Texas this weekend.

I know she's made a few unofficial visits to UConn, I hope we are the last official visit she takes this fall and we can seal the deal.

I was just re-watching the Stanford @ Texas volleyball match from Sunday which was aired on ESPN. They did show a moment of Vukosa sitting with the Longhorns women's hoops players. She also attended the football game on Saturday.

Great weekend for someone from the northeast to visit Austin, TX as it was mostly overcast skies with some rain, but temps only in the low 80's and even 70's (instead of the normal 100's this time of year).

 

[Bone Dog]

They did show a moment of Vukosa sitting with the Longhorns women's hoops players.

Were you able to read her facial expression and body language?

 

[southie]

Were you able to read her facial expression and body language?

In all honestly, she was smiling and laughing and so were all the players sitting around her. Seemed like one of the players was sharing something on her phone and everyone was watching it.

You don't see Olivia in this video clip, but she was sitting next to Maddie Booker when ESPN showed them sitting in their seats. Guessing she saw a bit of this:

 

[GamecockFam]

I know they all get like a base $25k from the university NIL fund. I think it may have upgraded to $50k. With that said, I don't know if that information is accurate anymore with the ever changing landscape. Most of the players get their money through third party endorsements and I know that Dawn won't sign any deals without ensuring her players are included.

 

[southie]

I know they all get like a base $25k from the university NIL fund. I think it may have upgraded to $50k. With that said, I don't know if that information is accurate anymore with the ever changing landscape. Most of the players get their money through third party endorsements and I know that Dawn won't sign any deals without ensuring her players are included.

What were the rumored NIL amounts for an elite high school recruit like Joyce Edwards, and an elite transfer lie Ta'Nya Latson?

I would think SC would secure similar NIL for Vukosa like they did for Edwards.

 

[GamecockFam]

What were the rumored NIL amounts for an elite high school recruit like Joyce Edwards, and an elite transfer lie Ta'Nya Latson?

I would think SC would secure similar NIL for Vukosa like they did for Edwards.

I haven't heard of anything for Edwards. I think they valued education over money. I know the rumors went wild that LSU was going to give her over $1 million but I think those were unsubstantiated. For Laton, I think the rumor was that she got larger offers from other universities but chose South Carolina anyways. I think it was like a $250k NIL from us.

 

[ConnMotors]

I’m sorry but NIL money doesn’t win championships.

 

[southie]

I’m sorry but NIL money doesn’t win championships.

And? Did anyone say it does?

 

[GamecockFam]

I’m sorry but NIL money doesn’t win championships.

I was just trying to answer a question asked by another poster. I don't know where this came from. Is South Carolina in the race for Vukosa? I think she visited but I haven't heard much since.

 

[southie]

And, the entire family made the trip to Austin, TX