Former Sooner Zack Sanchez on why college athletics is a family business

In the Trenches with Sam Mayes: Sanchez joins me to discuss name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and the responsibilities student-athletes have on and off the field.

By Sam Mayes

| Dec 20, 2023, 11:30am CST

By Sam Mayes

Dec 20, 2023, 11:30am CST

Zack Sanchez played defensive back for three seasons at OU, leading the Big 12 with seven interceptions in 2015. He spent part of the 2016 NFL season with the Carolina Panthers. Sanchez joins me on this episode of In the Trenches to discuss the many facets of the name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and the sacrifices student-athletes have to make.

Who should these athletes be loyal to? Their families who helped them get to this point? The coaches who brought them onto campus? The boosters who are paying them through NIL? Zack and I talked about our perspectives as former college athletes on the polarizing topic that is taking over college athletics.

Other topics covered include:

*Passionate fan bases and social media (09:29)

*Expectations and criticism of college athletes (12:09)

*OU’s transition to the SEC (14:10)

*OU’s chances in the SEC and national championship predictions (19:46)

Producer: Jacquelyn Musgrove

Creative Director: Michael Lane

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Sam Mayes grew up in Ohio, was an All-American lineman at Oklahoma State and has lived in Oklahoma for 20 years. With insights from his playing days, Sam started his broadcasting journey at Triple Play Sports Radio in 2007. He later joined the Sports Animal, and then 107.7 The Franchise. While passionate about football, Sam's involvement with Fields & Futures since 2015 showcases his dedication to using sports for community building in Oklahoma. Off-air, Sam cherishes time with his fiancée, their five kids, and his schnauzer, Scout.