This post was updated April 17 at 10:59 p.m.

There’s no debate that recent name, image and likeness changes have transformed the current landscape of collegiate football.

Despite attempting just 95 passes in the last two seasons, Texas quarterback Arch Manning has an NIL valuation of $6.5 million. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is currently holding out due to frustration with his NIL deal. And former five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson is on his third team in as many seasons.

And that’s just a glimpse.

The shift has pushed coaches to prioritize roster retention over developing high school recruits who may be out the door after a year.

“The only thing that really changes now is we have to constantly recruit the guys that are on our roster as opposed to getting out there, going to get guys to come in from juco (junior college) or high school or something like that,” said passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin. “You have to be aware of the portal to find out what guys are going in, and now you got to go recruit other college guys that are in the portal to fit the needs that you may have.”

In a world where loyalties change at the snap of a finger, NIL appears to be the dominant force prying players from programs – making the NCAA seem more and more like the NFL.

This current trajectory of college sports seems to be here to stay. When money is unilaterally the most impactful factor, relationships – even those that will stand the test of time – might just be the next best thing.

“I didn’t ever know I was coaching in, I guess, the NFL junior league,” Martin said. “It’s just all about relationships and actually getting kids to where they can feel like they’re getting developed, and hopefully they want to hold on tight and just grind it out. If they’re in a competition battle, ‘Hey, grind it out’ – don’t just turn and run and try to find the least resistance path.”

UCLA’s defense, in particular, fell ill to this plague of roster turnover – a sickness dictated by the NFL Draft, the transfer portal, coaching carousels and NIL. The Bruin defense lost all 11 of its starters from last season, including former linebackers Kain Medrano, Carson Schwesinger and Oluwafemi Oladejo to the draft and defensive backs Jaylin Davies, R.J. Jones, D.J. Justice and Clint Stephens to the portal.

But even after the mass departure from Westwood – with 23 players walking away – 20 fresh faces will don blue and gold for the first time next season.

“That’s going to be tough because how this world is now, I don’t know who’s going to be here and who’s not, who’s going to be unhappy or say they want to go see if the grass is greener at another place,” Martin said. “It’s just developing relationships and trying to get everybody to a starter level, and then we let the chips fall where it may once the roster is set.”

Joining this Westwood entourage is safety Key Lawrence.

While the senior brings a heap of experience, including two years in the SEC at Tennessee and Ole Miss and two years in the Big 12 at Oklahoma, he also brings a newfound energy and passion.

Whether it’s his lighthearted jokes, barking orders or directions to his fellow defensemen on the battlefield or focusing his teammates in the film and locker rooms, Lawrence seems to have all the intangibles of what it takes to be a leader.

“I have an energy that people gravitate towards, so I just try to give it back to them,” Lawrence said. “Just embracing everything from everybody. … Just with the right mindset and the right perception, you can make anything happen, so that’s just how I’m trying to go, day by day.”

With all of the new faces in the Bruins’ locker room, Lawrence added that the team can come together in no time if it prioritizes communication.

“When people want to actually strive to learn the playbook early, that’s where I say the biggest thing is for us to have communication and be on the same page, especially everybody coming from different backgrounds and new transfers and stuff. That chemistry is getting there, and it’s coming really quick – faster than I thought,” Lawrence said.

UCLA will be able to display this chemistry, communication and cohesiveness Friday night in its annual Friday Night Lights practice at Drake Stadium at 7 p.m.