College sports' rapid transformation from amateur endeavor to professional industry has taken another leap forward in the wake of Tuesday's news: private equity has officially arrived on campus.

A landmark deal: The University of Utah is finalizing a first-of-its-kind agreement with PE firm Otro Capital to create a for-profit entity that will operate the university's athletics business and is expected to generate upwards of $500 million in capital, reports Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.

• The venture is centered around the creation of Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC — a private, independent offshoot of the athletic department whose primary goal is to generate more revenue across areas including ticketing, concessions, corporate sales and sponsorships.

• In a fascinating wrinkle, the university — which retains majority ownership of the new entity — is allowing prominent donors to purchase a stake, essentially formalizing their status as boosters. Indeed, the $500 million figure includes both Otro's nine-figure cash infusion and commitments from donors.

The big picture: The early NIL era was heralded as the culmination of a decades-long fight against the myth of amateurism. Turns out it was just the beginning, with schools now set to share revenue directly with athletes and enlist outside capital partners — like Utah is doing — to help navigate this brave new world.

Move aside amateur athletics. Your day is done.

"Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.”

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

NC State’s ATS record this season against teams averaging 48% from the floor.

Get this: Since taking over as Cleveland’s starting quarterback in Week 12, Shedeur Sanders has led all rookies in passing yards and touchdowns. That’s not bad for a fifth-round pick.

“He’s been working very hard. So, I feel good about where his development is heading. He knows there are always going to be plays that he can be better and those type of things, but he’s very intentional about getting better each and every game he’s out there.”

Don’t let the naysayers fool you. Sanders is all in on his NFL career.

In Week 14, the Browns fell short at home to the Titans.  They nearly pulled off an epic comeback though due to Sanders, who completed 23 of 42 pass attempts for 364 yards with four total touchdowns and an interception.

Even though Sanders has earned the starting job for the rest of the season, he’s strictly focused on this Sunday’s game against the Bears.  

“That’s a long deep thought,” Sanders said. “That’s not in my focus. My focus right now is the team I’m playing ahead, the Bears. Anything past that, I’m not really focused on, honestly. I’m thankful for it, but I’m not content with my situation with everything, with leading this team.”

Sanders is saying all the right things off the field.

The reality though is he’s an awesome four-week stretch away from possibly starting Week 1 next season. Imagine that.