`I CAN’T BELIEVE HE IS GOING:Collingwood player Nick Daicos talks about the team’s high expectations and shows that he is tired of playing for Collingwood by signing a four-year contract worth $437 million with another NCAA team.

In a move that has left the footy world in disbelief, Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos has reportedly signed a four-year, $437 million deal—not with another AFL team, but shockingly, with an NCAA basketball program in the United States.

The news sent tremors through the AFL community, with fans, pundits, and players all asking the same question: “Is this real?”

High Expectations, Hidden Frustrations

Daicos, widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the AFL, has been the face of Collingwood’s resurgence in recent years. His elite ball use, vision, and leadership have made him a household name. But in a candid interview following the announcement, the 22-year-old opened up about the mounting pressure.

“I’ve loved playing for Collingwood, but the expectations here are relentless,” Daicos said. “It’s been an honor, but I’m tired—mentally and physically. I need a change.”

While the switch to the NCAA might sound implausible on the surface, Daicos’ athleticism and versatility have long drawn interest from scouts outside Australia. Sources say he had been quietly training for a potential basketball crossover for over a year.

A $437 Million Gamble

The deal, reportedly with an undisclosed NCAA Division I team, is said to be worth a staggering $437 million USD over four years—an unheard-of figure in collegiate sports, raising serious questions about its legitimacy and compliance with NCAA regulations. Analysts believe the bulk of the money may come from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and major endorsements facilitated through private backers and media companies eager to capitalize on Daicos’ international fame.

“We’ve never seen anything like this,” said sports economist Dr. Elise Howard. “This would make Daicos the highest-paid athlete in amateur sport history.”

Fans React With Shock, Confusion

Social media lit up with reactions ranging from heartbreak to disbelief. One fan posted, “First Buddy, now Daicos? What is happening to the AFL?” Others questioned the realism of an AFL player jumping to college basketball, let alone being eligible under NCAA rules.

Collingwood Responds

The Collingwood Football Club issued a short but emotional statement:

“We thank Nick for his incredible contribution to the club and wish him well in his future endeavors. While the circumstances are unprecedented, Nick will always be part of the Magpie family.”

Still, many within the club were blindsided. A teammate who spoke under anonymity said, “None of us saw this coming. He was Collingwood through and through.”

The Future of Multisport Athletes?

Whether this is the beginning of a new trend or a one-off anomaly, Daicos’ move could reshape how elite athletes think about their careers. It also poses questions about the balance of passion, pressure, and personal growth in professional sport.

For now, the only certainty is that Nick Daicos’ next chapter won’t be written at the MCG—but possibly under NCAA stadium lights.