Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati dives into the upcoming SEC Football Netflix series, the latest on NIL and revenue sharing, the Gamecock Sports Preview, and more!
Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati has been a key figure in the development of South Carolina’s sports programs over the last several years. Known for his innovative approach to navigating the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics, Donati has led the Gamecock Athletics Department through numerous challenges and has positioned the school to be a strong contender both in the SEC and nationally. With the landscape of college sports rapidly evolving—thanks in part to the influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and changes in revenue sharing—Donati has been at the forefront of pushing for meaningful progress in these areas.
In this exclusive interview, Donati discusses the upcoming SEC Football Netflix series, the latest developments surrounding NIL and revenue sharing, the Gamecock Sports Preview, and the exciting things on the horizon for South Carolina athletics. His leadership continues to steer South Carolina’s athletic programs toward greater success, with a focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience and ensuring the future of Gamecock sports is as bright as ever.
One of the most anticipated projects in college athletics is the upcoming SEC Football Netflix series, which is expected to debut in the coming months. The documentary-style series will offer an inside look at the culture, the athletes, and the drama surrounding SEC football, one of the most competitive conferences in collegiate athletics. The series is expected to be a game-changer in how fans interact with the sport, bringing a level of authenticity and accessibility to the SEC that hasn’t been seen before.
For Donati, the SEC Football Netflix series represents a unique opportunity for South Carolina and its student-athletes to showcase their talent, not only on the field but also in their personal journeys. “The SEC is one of the most prestigious conferences in college football, and to be a part of this Netflix series is a huge honor for all of us involved,” Donati said. “This will be a platform where fans can see a different side of the game—what it’s really like behind the scenes, the relationships that drive success, and the challenges that student-athletes face every day. I’m excited for Gamecock Nation to get to experience that firsthand.”
Donati went on to share his excitement about how the series will highlight South Carolina’s football program and its rich history in the SEC. “We’ve got so many great stories to tell, and I believe this show will give us the opportunity to showcase what makes South Carolina special—not just on the football field, but in the way we do things as a program and a university. Our coaches, our student-athletes, and our fans all play a key role in the culture of Gamecock football, and this series is a chance for the world to see that.”
The potential impact of the SEC Football Netflix series on South Carolina cannot be overstated. Not only will it provide invaluable exposure for the program, but it will also serve as an opportunity for the broader public to understand the commitment, discipline, and sacrifices that come with being a student-athlete in one of the nation’s premier football conferences.
One of the most significant changes to the collegiate athletic landscape in recent years has been the introduction of NIL rights, allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. Since its inception, NIL has been both an exciting and controversial development, as it reshapes the way college sports are monetized. With new opportunities for athletes to earn money, the conversation has also turned to how athletic departments, conferences, and schools can better support athletes in this new era.
Donati has been deeply involved in discussions surrounding NIL, both within the SEC and at a national level. He’s passionate about finding a balance that allows student-athletes to benefit from their hard work, while also preserving the integrity of college athletics. “We’re in a time of transition, and it’s important that we as athletic directors, as universities, and as conferences, take the time to understand the implications of NIL,” Donati said. “It’s about helping student-athletes take advantage of opportunities that are presented to them in a fair and equitable way, while also ensuring that it doesn’t detract from the essence of the college experience.”
For South Carolina, Donati emphasized the importance of offering a comprehensive NIL strategy that gives Gamecock athletes the resources they need to navigate this new landscape. “We’ve been working to put in place an infrastructure that provides our student-athletes with the education and tools to succeed in the NIL space,” he shared. “We want to make sure that they understand how to make smart decisions and capitalize on the opportunities that come their way, but we also want to ensure that they’re not losing focus on their academic and athletic commitments.”
He also touched on the broader conversation surrounding revenue sharing in college athletics. While NIL allows individual athletes to benefit from their own marketability, there is increasing pressure to ensure that athletes as a collective share in the revenue generated by college sports. The conversation is particularly focused on football and basketball, where television deals and sponsorships bring in massive amounts of money. As universities and conferences continue to grow their revenue streams, Donati believes that a more equitable model needs to be considered.
“One of the things we’re seeing right now is a growing conversation about how revenue generated by college athletics is shared,” Donati explained. “With the explosion of media deals, sponsorships, and postseason bowl games, there is a lot of money flowing into college sports. The question becomes, how do we ensure that the athletes who generate this revenue are fairly compensated for their role? This is a conversation that will continue to evolve, and we’re committed to being part of that conversation to make sure our athletes have what they need to succeed.”
Donati also mentioned that the SEC, and the NCAA at large, are still grappling with the best way to implement revenue-sharing models that work across the entire collegiate sports landscape. “It’s a complex issue, and there are no easy answers. But at the end of the day, our goal is to ensure that student-athletes have the resources they need, both during and after their college careers.”
Looking ahead, Donati is excited about the future of South Carolina athletics, particularly as the Gamecocks continue to build momentum across multiple sports. From football to basketball to baseball, South Carolina has a rich history of success, and Donati sees plenty of room for growth and improvement.
“We’re in a really exciting time for Gamecock Athletics,” Donati said. “Our football program continues to make strides under Coach (Shane) Beamer, our basketball programs are thriving with Coach (Lamont) Paris and Coach (Dawn) Staley, and our baseball program remains one of the top teams in the nation. The success we’ve had recently in women’s sports has been tremendous, and we’re seeing more and more Gamecock athletes gaining national recognition.”
Donati also pointed to the continued investment in facilities and resources as a key to South Carolina’s future success. “We’re making major investments in our athletic facilities, from upgrades to Williams-Brice Stadium to improvements in our practice facilities for all sports. We know that to compete at the highest level, we need to give our athletes the tools they need to succeed, and that includes state-of-the-art facilities.”
In addition to improving facilities, Donati emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining top-tier coaches and student-athletes. “Our coaches are our greatest asset, and we’re fortunate to have some of the best in the business leading our programs. The success of South Carolina athletics is a direct result of the leadership we have in our coaching staff, and we’re committed to ensuring that our athletes have the best possible guidance to reach their potential.”
As athletics director, Donati has a clear vision for where he wants to take South Carolina athletics over the next decade. “We want to continue to build a championship-caliber program in every sport,” Donati said. “That means investing in our student-athletes, in our facilities, and in the overall experience that Gamecock Nation offers. The future of Gamecock athletics is incredibly bright, and we’re committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that we’re competitive on the national stage.”
Donati’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding South Carolina athletics through a period of transition, and his ability to stay ahead of emerging trends in collegiate sports has positioned the Gamecocks for long-term success. As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, Donati is focused on ensuring that South Carolina remains a strong and competitive force in the SEC and beyond.
“We’re excited about what’s to come,” he said. “With the investments we’re making, the talented student-athletes we have, and the incredible support of Gamecock Nation, the future of South Carolina athletics is brighter than ever.”
The future of South Carolina athletics also depends on the continued support of the fanbase. Donati expressed his gratitude for the passionate Gamecock fans who show up to support their teams year after year. “Gamecock Nation is one of the most dedicated fanbases in the country, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support. Whether it’s cheering from the stands or contributing to our fundraising efforts, our fans are a huge part of our success.”
As South Carolina continues to push forward in the rapidly changing world of college athletics, Donati remains confident that the Gamecock spirit will remain strong and that the future is full of promise.
