10 Highest Paid NIL Players in College Football for 2024: Ranking the Top Earners and Their Deals

The NCAA’s move to let athletes profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) totally changed college sports. Top football players now rake in thousands—sometimes millions—while still in school.

In 2024, stars like Shedeur Sanders, Arch Manning, and Travis Hunter headline the list, with deals reaching as high as $6.5 million. That’s not just pocket change.

People are watching these numbers closely. The NIL era has flipped the script for college athletes.

Players aren’t just leading teams—they’re building personal brands, partnering with huge companies, and shaping what NCAA sports will look like next.

Here’s a quick comparison of the top earners, their reported NIL value, and their teams:

Player	NIL Earnings	Team
Shedeur Sanders	$6.5 million	Colorado Buffaloes
Arch Manning	$6.5 million	Texas Longhorns
Travis Hunter	$5.7 million	Colorado Buffaloes
Carson Beck	$4.3 million	Georgia Bulldogs
Cooper Flagg	$4.8 million	Duke Blue Devils
Jeremiah Smith	$4.0 million	Ohio State Buckeyes
Quinn Ewers	$2.8 million	Texas Longhorns

Curious for more? Check out this recap of the highest paid college football NIL players.

Understanding NIL and Its Impact on College Football

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights have changed how college athletes make money. Now, top players who once only got scholarships can sign deals worth millions, completely shaking up college sports and recruiting.

What Is Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)?

NIL lets college athletes cash in on their personal brand. They can sign endorsement deals, show up at events for a fee, or promote products online.

Before July 2021, strict NCAA rules blocked student-athletes from earning money this way. Schools and leagues made millions, but the athletes themselves got nothing extra.

Now, athletes have more fair opportunities. Deals come from big brands or even local businesses.

Nike and Gatorade, for example, have signed top players to major endorsements, according to NIL deal reports. Athletes can make money from personal logos, digital content, or even just signing autographs.

How NIL Changed the College Sports Landscape

NIL deals have brought a rush of new money into college football. The best players can earn millions before they ever see the NFL.

Recruiting is more competitive, with programs showing off their NIL opportunities to lure top high school stars. Coaches and schools scramble to keep their best players from transferring or leaving early.

Some athletes become household names while still in college. It’s wild to see how fast their fame can grow.

There are challenges, though. Some folks worry that bigger schools or those with wealthy donors might offer richer NIL deals, creating an uneven playing field.

Still, most players see NIL as a chance to secure their futures while juggling school and sports.

NIL Earnings at a Glance (2024 Top College Football Players):

Player	School	Estimated NIL Earnings
Shedeur Sanders	Colorado	$6.5 million
Travis Hunter	Colorado	$5.7 million
Arch Manning	Texas	$4.8 million

Roles of the NCAA and Collectives

The NCAA sets the ground rules for college sports, but schools and athletes have to figure out NIL within those lines. The NCAA doesn’t control every deal, but it expects schools to watch for shady offers and to keep things fair.

Collectives—basically groups of alumni, boosters, and local sponsors—have become huge players. They organize and fund NIL deals to attract and reward athletes.

These groups are now a big part of recruiting and keeping teams together. Their influence is only growing, and honestly, it raises some tough questions about control and fairness.

Still, this setup helps players build financial stability while letting schools compete for talent. Most collectives work closely with athletic departments to avoid breaking NCAA rules.

NIL Valuations and Top Earning Players in 2024

The highest paid college football athletes in 2024 make their money through a mix of performance, potential, and how far their brand can reach. NIL valuations estimate what each athlete’s name, image, and likeness rights are worth, giving us a way to measure and compare their profits.

Methodology: How NIL Valuations Are Calculated

Analysts figure out NIL valuations by looking at several things. They weigh player performance, position, and the school’s reputation.

Social media presence matters a lot. A quarterback with a huge following will almost always have a higher NIL value.

Endorsement contracts get factored in too. Platforms like On3 and SportsGrid publish player valuations based on projected and reported earnings.

Actual profits can swing as new endorsements are signed during the season. Sometimes, a breakout game or a viral moment can bump up an athlete’s value overnight.

Consistent play and team success help keep those numbers high over time.

Ranking Criteria for Highest Paid Athletes

Rankings focus on total NIL valuation—current and projected earnings from all deals. Only athletes with officially reported or reliably estimated valuations make the list.

Here’s a look at a few 2024 leaders and their reported NIL valuations:

Athlete	Position	School	NIL Valuation (USD)
Shedeur Sanders	Quarterback	Colorado	$5,100,000
Arch Manning	Quarterback	Texas	$6,500,000
Travis Hunter	Corner/WR	Colorado	$3,100,000
Carson Beck	Quarterback	Georgia	$4,300,000
Livvy Dunne*	Gymnastics	LSU	$4,000,000

*Not a football player, but Dunne is included for context as a top NCAA NIL earner.

Athletes with strong social media, great performance, and big-name schools tend to lead the pack. NIL profits can easily outpace traditional scholarships, so contracts matter more than ever for recruiting.

Check out more details on the NIL leaderboard.

Profiles of the 10 Highest Paid NIL Players in College Football

College football stars are now some of the top earners in all of college sports thanks to NIL deals. It’s not just about talent anymore—it’s about marketability, national fame, and sometimes, a famous last name.

Arch Manning: Texas Longhorns

Arch Manning holds the top NIL value in college football, thanks to his family legacy and the national spotlight. As Texas’s quarterback, his estimated NIL valuation is about $6.5 million—nobody else in college football touches that.

He’s got big sponsorships lined up, but really, it’s the Manning name and his status as a top recruit that make him so valuable.

His popularity is basically unmatched. Every move he makes gets covered. Arch hasn’t even played a full season as the starter yet, but his potential keeps him in the headlines.

You can find more on the top NIL valuations.

Player	School	Position	NIL Valuation
Arch Manning	Texas Longhorns	Quarterback	$6.5 million

Shedeur Sanders: Colorado Buffaloes

Shedeur Sanders is everywhere right now. As Deion Sanders’ son, he arrived at Colorado with a ton of hype and has backed it up as the Buffaloes’ quarterback.

His NIL valuation sits around $4.5 million, which reflects both his play and his appeal to advertisers. Shedeur’s leadership and charisma have led to major brand deals.

He’s high on every top NIL earners list for 2024. National brands love his confident style and big social following.

Shedeur’s presence, on and off the field, just keeps drawing fans and companies.

Player	School	Position	NIL Valuation
Shedeur Sanders	Colorado Buffaloes	Quarterback	$4.5 million

Travis Hunter: Colorado Buffaloes

Travis Hunter is just electric. He plays both wide receiver and cornerback, which is rare, and it’s pushed his NIL value up near $2.7 million.

He stands out in the NIL market because of his two-way play and TV visibility.

Hunter’s versatility makes him appealing to brands wanting to reach different audiences. He became a sensation his first year at Colorado, rarely leaving the field.

His story proves how NIL can reward the athletes who break the mold.

Player	School	Position(s)	NIL Valuation
Travis Hunter	Colorado Buffaloes	WR/CB	$2.7 million

Quinn Ewers: Texas Longhorns

Quinn Ewers has made himself central to the Texas Longhorns and the NIL scene. As the starting quarterback, his estimated NIL value is about $1.9 million.

Ewers transferred from Ohio State and quickly became the face of Texas football, thanks to his arm and his ability to step up in big games.

He’s landed endorsements with regional and national brands, taking advantage of Texas’s huge fanbase and media exposure.

Ewers’ steady play and unique look keep attracting business, making him one of the highest NIL earners.

Player	School	Position	NIL Valuation
Quinn Ewers	Texas Longhorns	Quarterback	$1.9 million

Profiles of Emerging NIL Stars

New college football players are shaping the next phase of NIL deals with impressive play on the field and growing influence off it. Some have already grabbed national attention with big endorsements and rising market values.

Nico Iamaleava: Tennessee Volunteers

Nico Iamaleava stands out as one of the top young quarterbacks in college football. He joined the Tennessee Volunteers as a highly ranked recruit and quickly made his mark with athleticism, a strong arm, and those leadership vibes that coaches love.

Iamaleava’s become a face of Tennessee’s program, and brands are already circling, hoping to connect with the college football crowd. His NIL value comes from both his expected starting role and his potential to lead Tennessee to some big wins.

As a freshman, Iamaleava signed several endorsement deals, teaming up with sports equipment companies and local businesses. His growing profile in the SEC and his activity on social media have made him one of the most intriguing young names for sponsors.

A quick look at Iamaleava’s early stats and NIL presence:

Category	Stat/Detail
Position	Quarterback
Height	6’6″
Weight	210 lbs
NIL Valuation	Over $1 million
Key Deals	Apparel, Local Businesses

Rising Talent in College Football

Other college football athletes have stepped into the spotlight with huge NIL earnings. Arch Manning at Texas, for example, tops the charts with a valuation over six million dollars. His appeal? That famous last name and the potential to be a college superstar.

Quarterbacks like Carson Beck (Georgia) and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) are also making waves, with multi-million dollar valuations. These guys are landing deals with athletic brands, regional businesses, and national sponsors eager to reach their growing fanbases.

Their mix of talent, visibility, and social media reach keeps shaking up the NIL landscape.

Breakdown of Major NIL Deals and Contracts

College football’s top earners in 2024 have landed multimillion-dollar NIL deals, all about personal brand and big endorsements. Players now work with teams of agents who handle both negotiations and public image.

Largest Endorsement Contracts of 2024

The largest NIL deals in 2024 go to quarterbacks and high-profile recruits at powerhouse programs. Arch Manning leads the way with a $6.5 million valuation. Carson Beck and Jeremiah Smith pull in $4.3 million and $4 million, respectively.

Most of these contracts include endorsements with national brands, social media promos, and sponsor appearances. Players often sign multi-year deals for long-term collaboration. Some even get revenue sharing with collectives or their university programs.

Players are cashing in on college football’s popularity, picking up endorsement contracts from apparel companies, auto dealerships, food chains, and tech brands. Honestly, if you’ve got star power, you’re getting the big deals.

Player	NIL Valuation	Notable Endorsements
Arch Manning	$6.5M	Apparel, Tech, Social Media
Cooper Flagg	$4.8M	Sportswear, National Brands
Carson Beck	$4.3M	Retail, Food Chains
Jeremiah Smith	$4.0M	Athletic Gear, Local Deals

You can find more details on the top NIL earners of 2024.

Role of Agents in NIL Negotiations

Agents shape almost every major NIL contract for elite college athletes. They handle negotiations, brand strategy, and legal stuff to maximize both income and long-term value.

A typical negotiation means hashing out contract terms, figuring out fair revenue sharing, and picking brands that fit the athlete’s vibe. The best agents keep close ties with brands and sponsors, opening doors to unique endorsement opportunities.

They also protect players from bad deals or getting stretched too thin. Sometimes, agents even help manage a player’s social media and public appearances, keeping things consistent across platforms.

Players with strong representation usually land bigger contracts, more endorsements, and safer terms. These days, agents are crucial for building the commercial profile of college football’s highest earners.

Social Media Influence and the Power of Branding

A strong social media following can matter just as much as on-field performance for today’s top college football players. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive their visibility and boost their NIL valuation.

Top NIL Players on TikTok and Instagram

Many of the highest-paid college football athletes have huge audiences on TikTok and Instagram. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, for example, rack up millions of views with their videos and posts.

Arch Manning doesn’t post as often, but when he does, people notice—being a Manning has its perks. Social media lets players show off their personalities and interests outside the game.

By sharing behind-the-scenes content or partnering with brands, they build unique images that sponsors love.

Here’s a quick look at the estimated follower counts for some top NIL earners:

Player	TikTok Followers	Instagram Followers
Shedeur Sanders	1.3 million	2.8 million
Travis Hunter	800,000	1.6 million
Arch Manning	300,000	400,000

Brand deals often hinge on audience size and engagement. The more active and popular these athletes are on social media, the more companies want in.

Impact of Social Media Followers on NIL Valuations

NIL valuations closely track social media reach. Brands look at follower counts and engagement to measure value. Athletes with big digital influence can ask for larger deals.

For college stars like Cooper Flagg and Livvy Dunne, high follower counts directly boost their earning potential. Players with millions of followers can land million-dollar deals each year, even if they aren’t always the top performers on the field.

That direct connection with fans makes their brands way more attractive to companies. A large, active following lets athletes share sponsored content and maximize exposure for their partners.

This kind of reach is a big reason why NIL deals can be so lucrative for some. More engagement means a higher NIL value, which is pretty obvious when you see how top earners dominate both social media and NIL rankings.

If you want more detail on the top-earning athletes and their social audiences, check out this list of collegiate NIL valuations.

Comparing NIL Earnings Across College Sports

NIL opportunities have changed the game for college athletes, but payouts still vary a lot by sport, market, and star power. Football and men’s basketball drive the biggest numbers, with a few basketball standouts making headlines for their earnings.

College Football vs Men’s Basketball NIL Revenues

College football leads in top NIL earnings. Some football stars, like Shedeur Sanders and Arch Manning, have valuations as high as $6.5 million.

In men’s basketball, the top earners usually see slightly lower figures, but a few can match or even beat football stars.

Here’s a quick comparison of top annual NIL valuations for both sports in 2024:

Sport	Highest NIL Valuation	Typical Top 5 Range
College Football	$6.5 million	$2.8M – $6.5M
Men’s Basketball	$4.8 million	$2.5M – $4.8M

Football gets more media attention and deals, but men’s basketball players benefit from the NCAA tournament spotlight and their social media reach, sometimes closing the gap.

Crossover Stars in Men’s Basketball

A handful of men’s basketball athletes stand out for their NIL deals. Cooper Flagg, for example, hit a valuation of $4.8 million in 2024.

These players usually sign with major brands, grab sneaker contracts, and attract national attention thanks to basketball’s strong following. Crossover appeal matters.

Players who dominate on the court and build a strong social media presence tend to pull bigger NIL offers. These athletes bridge sports and pop culture, making them a hit with brands seeking broad exposure.

Their deals often set new benchmarks for what’s possible.

Future Trends in NIL and College Athlete Compensation

College athlete compensation is evolving fast. New regulations, the rise of NIL deals, and the growth of athlete collectives are shaking things up for schools, players, and sponsors.

Predictions for NIL Growth and Regulation

NIL deals have exploded in both value and number since 2021. Most experts expect that growth to keep going, though the landscape could look totally different in a few years.

State governments and the NCAA will probably tighten NIL rules. We might even see new federal laws to set national standards.

Revenue sharing could become a hot topic, especially as TV and sponsorship money keeps rising. There’s talk of schools sharing more profits with athletes, especially in high-earning sports like football.

Collectives—groups that pool money to support athletes—are expected to get bigger, but stricter oversight seems likely.

Table 1: Estimated NIL Earnings Growth (2021–2024)

Year	Total NIL Deals (est.)	Top Player NIL Value (est.)
2021	$50 million	$1.2 million
2023	$150 million	$7 million
2024	$200 million	$6.7 million

Read more about the rise in NIL earnings.

Long-Term Impact on College Athletics

NIL and revenue sharing might shape college sports for a long time. Programs with big alumni networks and generous donors can offer more support.

That could widen the gap between powerhouse schools and the smaller ones. Some schools just can’t keep up.

Coaches now have to juggle building relationships with players and donors. Recruiting feels more about NIL deals than tradition or playing time.

Honestly, rapid changes might mess with team chemistry or even the whole college experience.

If revenue sharing grows, college athletics could look a lot more like pro sports. That would probably mean tighter rules and new limits on how and when athletes cash in.

Top collectives and brands keep swaying where elite athletes decide to play.