Standards & Methodology

What This Site Is

The Sideline is a college sports data platform. We publish NIL spending estimates, the live transfer portal, the full recruiting class, scores, and standings — alongside written analysis grounded in those same datasets. Every tracker is free to use and the data is downloadable.

Sourcing Standards

Our coverage draws on the following sources, attributed wherever they appear:

• Live scores, schedules, and standings via ESPN's public data services
• Recruiting and transfer portal data via CollegeFootballData.com, refreshed nightly
• NIL spending estimates compiled from public reporting, collective announcements, and our own modeling — see the Data Methodology section below for how estimates are built
• Written analysis grounded in official school athletics communications, on-record statements, and public records

Data Methodology

NIL figures on this site are estimates, and we label them as such. Roster values and program spending are modeled from public information — they are not audited financial statements. Our full methodology, including known limitations and the inputs we weight, is published on the Data Methodology page and linked from every tracker.

Corrections Policy

We correct errors quickly and transparently. When we fix a factual error in a published article, we update the article and note the change. To report an error in any article or data table, email hello@thesideline.co with a link to the page — corrections requests are reviewed within 48 hours.

Independence From Advertisers

Advertising on The Sideline is clearly labeled, and advertisers have no input into our coverage, rankings, or data. We do not accept payment for favorable coverage of any school, athlete, collective, or brand. Sponsored content, if we ever run it, will be explicitly labeled as such.

Ownership & Funding

The Sideline is independently owned and operated. The site is funded by on-site advertising and merchandise sales. We have no financial relationship with any school, conference, or collective we cover.