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Volume 63 Issue 5
Thursday, October 16, 2025
THE USD VISTA VISTA
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968
‘Extra extra read all about it’ Malcom Todd performs for Toreros at Big Blue Bash
Malcom Todd performed multiple of his hit songs on USD’s campus at the Big Blue Bash on Oct. 10 for many student supporters.
RILEY RAINS ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR LARA DOMINIQUE SOLANTE COPY EDITOR Last week, students waited in anticipation to find out who would be this year’s artist for the Big Blue Bash. To kick off the homecoming festivities, the Torero Program Board (TPB)
revealed Malcolm Todd would be this fall’s headliner. Many Toreros were excited to hear some of his top hits, such as “Chest Pain (I Love)” and “Roommates.” On Friday, students sang along as he spun around the stage and performed surprise covers of infamous theme songs. Malcolm Todd is currently working his way through North America and Europe on his
tour, titled “The Wholesome Rockstar Tour Pt. 2.” The 22-year-old alternative R&B artist got his start after “Out of Bounds” blew up on TikTok in 2022. After convincing his parents to take a gap year from the University of Oregon, Todd inked a deal with Columbia Records and began pursuing music full time. Before Todd played “Walking to Class,” a song about a
Lara Dominique Solante/The USD Vista
college girl, Todd mentioned his past experience with college. “Guys, I dropped out of college, so I’m living vicariously through you,” Todd laughed. Todd was energetic on stage. In between hits, he joked with the crowd, encouraging students to study instead of partying. Todd coined the word of the night as “fun” – and “fun” is exactly what students had.
Toreros cash in on NIL
“The concert exceeded my expectations,” USD first-year Gabe Roine raved. “He played all of his popular songs which was lit. I loved singing along and jumping around with my friends. And the surprise iCarly theme song — chef’s kiss.” Todd pranked USD students, readying them for an original, emotional piece.
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A look into Name, Image and Likeness deals at USD ANJALI DALAL-WHELAN ASSOCIATE EDITOR USD junior and football linebacker Nick Felago found his way to a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal from a misdirection by Apple Maps. Two years ago, when he was going into his first year at USD, he went to get an acai bowl with a teammate after practice. Rather than an açaí shop, his maps directed the two of them to the sales office of the brand Açaí Roots. While Felago couldn’t get his post-practice snack, the sales team gave him a kombucha for stopping by, which he posted to his Instagram story.
INSIDE
The brand’s marketing team saw the post and reached out — leading to what has now been an over two-yearlong partnership between Felago and the acai brand. A few years ago, this partnership would not have been legal. Until recently, student athletes were not allowed to make money off of their athletics or identity while they were in college. In 2021, a dramatic shift came when the NCAA changed their rules to allow student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. For the past four years, NIL has made waves in the world of college athletics — including at USD. Over 200
NIL deals have been made with USD athletes, according to Lauren Kirby, USD’s Assistant Athletic Director for NIL. A popular way for athletes to partner with brands is through their social media pages. While at some large schools, high-profile student athletes have struck deals worth millions of dollars, some USD student athletes are finding smaller companies to make the most of their brand as an athlete. Felago shared that his NIL deal with Açaí Roots has been extremely helpful in his career. “It’s been really cool to have a partner and a base around me besides just my personal name,” Felago said. “They’ve obviously
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USD men’s rowing partnered with the brand Nautica in an NIL deal. Photo courtesy of @nautica/Instagram
National Guard
Banned books
Homecoming Weekend
Male leadership
Josh Page returns to USD
See News, page 3
See A&C, page 5
See Feature, page 8
See Opinion, page 10
See Sports, page 12
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