you have to sit out a year before you play. >> reporter: power conference schools can now lure top athletes to secure bigger paydays. it's almost like free agency in the pros but some still want congress on the sidelines. >> be very, very careful before you ask congress to get involved. because congress has a tendency to micro manage. >> reporter: oklahoma state has a brand squad helping athletes manage themselves. but schools can only do so much. >> the ncaa has not been able to do this, and i believe that congress is the only ones that will be able to do this level playing field. >> reporter: kayleigh mudge plays softball and she's applying nil toward a nursing degree. and i'm thinking how can i apply to the the future versus how much can i get right now. >> reporter: some lawmakers say the money takes the fun out of