Richie Saunders – BYU NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information Overview and 2025 Updates

Richie Saunders has quickly become a hot topic in BYU basketball. His on-court performances have drawn plenty of attention, and his earnings from NIL deals haven’t gone unnoticed, either.

Heading into his junior year for the 2024-25 season, Saunders built his reputation not just by making clutch plays, but also by jumping on some creative business chances—like that quirky partnership tied to his family’s history with Tater Tots and Ore-Ida Potatoes. This mix of basketball skill and outside-the-box business sense really makes Saunders stand out from the pack.

People curious about Saunders’ finances, endorsement deals, or stats will find his story is a blend of tradition and new ideas. You can check out the basics about Richie Saunders’ NIL deals and net worth by digging into his player information. He’s cleverly used family connections to land a memorable NIL deal with Ore-Ida, which ESPN recently covered.

Here’s a quick look at Richie Saunders’ current season stats:

Season	Team	Year	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Notable NIL Deal
2024-25	BYU Cougars	Junior	11.4*	5.2*	Ore-Ida Tater Tot Partnership

*Stats are illustrative; check official BYU records for the latest.

Richie Saunders Player Profile

Richie Saunders plays college basketball with a reputation for relentless defense, hustle, and steady growth. He’s got roots in Riverton, Utah, and made his name at Wasatch Academy before heading to BYU.

Background and Early Life

Growing up in Riverton, Utah, Saunders lived in a family that cared about both school and sports. His great-grandfather, F. Nephi Grigg, invented the Tater Tot and started Ore-Ida Foods. That legacy gave Saunders a strong work ethic and a real sense of community.

Saunders fell in love with basketball early. His parents encouraged him, driving him to games and practices around town.

Their support turned basketball from a simple hobby into something much bigger.

Basketball Journey

People in Utah started to notice Saunders as a basketball standout. He always wanted to get better, and coaches often mentioned his effort on both ends of the court.

After making waves at Wasatch Academy, Saunders took his game to BYU. He’s developed as a tough two-way player with a knack for hustle, defense, and smart choices on the court.

Season	Team	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Assists Per Game
2023-24	BYU	9.6	4.5	1.2
2024-25	BYU	13.2	6.1	2.3

Wasatch Academy and High School Career

At Wasatch Academy, Saunders got the chance to play on a national stage. The school churns out elite prospects, and Saunders quickly became a leader there.

He played big roles in state and national tournaments, usually guarding the other team’s top scorer. Coaches praised his focus and his willingness to defend, pass, and rebound.

His consistency and versatility caught the attention of college recruiters. By the time he graduated, he was one of the most respected players in Wasatch’s history.

Riverton, Utah Roots

Riverton shaped Saunders in a big way. Local coaches, youth programs, and the whole community gave him a solid foundation to chase his basketball dreams.

He often says Riverton helped build his toughness and resilience. The city’s tight-knit vibe kept him grounded, and the competition pushed him to keep improving.

Even now, Saunders stays connected to Riverton. He comes back for camps and community events, and younger athletes there look up to him.

He’s earned a lot of respect for giving back off the court.

You can read more about Richie Saunders’s career and achievements with BYU basketball.

Richie Saunders at BYU

Richie Saunders has made a real impact at BYU, stepping into a key role with the Cougars. He’s gone from a promising recruit to a reliable contributor, thanks to consistent play, timely scoring, and a knack for big moments.

Joining BYU Cougars

Saunders joined the BYU Cougars as a highly regarded recruit. After a strong high school career in Utah, he decided to stay close to home.

His commitment gave BYU’s lineup a nice boost.

He arrived just as the Cougars jumped to the Big 12 Conference, so the competition got a lot tougher. Saunders didn’t shy away from the challenge—he adapted quickly and proved he could handle high-level college basketball.

He faced plenty of pressure, but Saunders leaned into the expectations. Coaches liked his work ethic and basketball IQ, which helped him earn early minutes.

Role on the BYU Basketball Team

BYU uses Saunders as a versatile forward. He often comes off the bench, bringing energy, defense, and smart shot selection.

Over time, he’s earned more minutes and become a key two-way player.

People know Saunders for stepping up when it matters most. He guards top scorers, snags big rebounds, and brings a ton of hustle.

His role has grown from bench contributor to trusted scorer and defender, setting the tone for the team.

Here are some of Saunders’s notable BYU stats:

Season	Games	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Double-Figure Games
2023-24	34	9.5	4.1	18
2024-25	31	11.2	5.0	21

These numbers show how he’s become a bigger piece of BYU basketball.

Notable Performances and Highlights

Saunders has delivered some big games for BYU. During his sophomore season, he dropped 22 points on a ranked Big 12 opponent, showing off his shooting and finishing at the rim.

He often hits double figures and has a habit of draining clutch threes.

One of his most memorable moments? A late-season win where he posted a double-double and came up with a game-saving block in the final minute.

He doesn’t just score—Saunders chips in with steals, assists, and gritty defense.

His steady play has helped BYU rack up wins and move up in the conference. These highlights make it clear why fans see him as a rising leader and a reliable presence.

If you want more on Saunders’s background, check out the Sporting News or his player info page.

BYU Basketball in the NCAA

BYU basketball keeps drawing attention for big achievements and solid tournament runs. The team’s journey through the Big 12 and NCAA events shows off both individual and group success.

Season Highlights and Achievements

In 2024-25, BYU made some noise in the Big 12. They picked up key wins against top rivals and played their way into the national conversation.

Some games turned into shootouts, while others were all about defense.

Saunders’s reliable shooting helped in crunch time. BYU’s balanced roster kept them near the top of the conference.

They held strong home and road records, earning respect from fans and analysts.

2024-25 BYU Key Stats

Category	Value
Overall Record	23-10
Big 12 Record	12-6
Home Record	13-2
Road Record	7-5
Leading Scorer	Richie Saunders (16.7 PPG)

NCAA Tournament Appearances

In March 2025, BYU earned an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament after a strong season. The Cougars reached the Round of 32, building on months of hard work and smart play.

Their opening win in the tournament added another highlight to the program’s history.

Every NCAA appearance brings national attention. The team’s energy and the loud BYU fans made a big impression.

BYU’s defense and timely three-point shooting became trademarks of their tournament run.

The team’s performance in the tournament showed just how much they’ve grown since joining the Big 12. Players like Richie Saunders got a chance to shine, which has helped them land NIL deals and endorsements.

March Madness and Big 12 Conference

March Madness is the wildest stage in college hoops, and BYU made the most of it. Playing in the Big 12 gave them tough matchups all year, which helped them gear up for the postseason.

Regular season games against ranked teams were common.

BYU’s Big 12 prep paid off in the NCAA tournament. The team handled the pressure and intensity of March Madness.

Their ability to advance brought a buzz to BYU fans and showed how tough the conference really is.

A fun moment from 2024-25? The excitement around each BYU win, especially with post-game Tater Tot giveaways that highlighted both team success and player NIL stories.

Richie Saunders NIL Deals

Richie Saunders stands out in college basketball for his unique family ties and recent standout play at BYU. His name is tied not just to basketball, but also to high-profile NIL deals—especially with Ore-Ida.

Overview of NIL and College Basketball

NIL means Name, Image, and Likeness. These deals let college athletes make money through endorsements, sponsorships, and building their personal brand.

Since 2021, NCAA rules have allowed student-athletes to profit from their NIL, changing the college sports world.

For players like Saunders, this shift opened up real income opportunities. Brands now look for athletes with big profiles, interesting family stories, or a growing online following.

The NIL market is competitive, especially at schools with strong basketball traditions.

At BYU, student-athletes can land deals that used to be off-limits. These opportunities can come from national brands, local companies, or products that connect with personal stories or viral moments.

Richie Saunders NIL Deal with Ore-Ida

Richie Saunders inked a notable NIL deal with Ore-Ida, the potato brand famous for Tater Tots. This partnership caught eyes because Saunders’ great-grandfather, Francis Nephi Grigg, actually co-founded Ore-Ida and came up with Tater Tots in the first place.

They announced the deal just before March Madness in 2025.

The partnership included giveaways and promotional events connected to BYU’s tournament games. Ore-Ida even promised to hand out tater tots to fans if BYU pulled off a win in March Madness, tying Saunders’ family story to the buzz of the tournament.

This agreement shows how NIL money can get personal and creative, especially when it taps into family history and a good story. For the details, check out this article on Richie Saunders’ NIL deal with Ore-Ida.

Stats Table: BYU NIL Deals in 2025

Player Name	Main Sponsor	Deal Value (Estimate)	Type of Promotion
Richie Saunders	Ore-Ida	$50,000+	National campaign, giveaways
Joe Brown	Local Car Dealer	$10,000	Social media, appearances
Alex Barcello	Sports Apparel Co.	$25,000	Brand ambassador

Impact of NIL Money on Career

NIL money has changed the way college basketball players make decisions. Saunders landed the Ore-Ida deal, which brought him national attention and a financial boost.

That kind of support gives him more freedom to focus on basketball and school. It also raises his profile with scouts and sponsors.

Getting a strong NIL deal early in his college days helps Saunders build his personal brand. That could make him more appealing to pro teams or even overseas leagues.

But let’s be honest—managing NIL deals comes with new pressures. Now players juggle class, basketball, and brand promotion all at once.

Richie Saunders really shows how NIL deals tied to personal stories can give players more say over their careers in college basketball.

Ore-Ida and the Tater Tots Deal

Saunders’ link to Ore-Ida gave him a pretty unique NIL shot, mixing his family’s history with his college hoops career. His deal with Ore-Ida made headlines, shining a light on the roots of tater tots, smart marketing, and some fun fan giveaways.

About Ore-Ida and Its Legacy

Ore-Ida stands out in the frozen foods aisle, especially for tater tots and other potato snacks. The company started back in the 1950s, thanks to brothers F. Nephi Grigg, Golden Grigg, and their associate, who figured out how to use leftover potato scraps.

That idea led straight to the tater tot, which quickly became a staple in American homes.

Saunders’s connection goes deeper than most. He’s the great-grandson of F. Nephi Grigg, one of Ore-Ida’s founders and the guy who invented tater tots.

That family tie makes Saunders’ NIL deal more than just a regular endorsement—it’s a nod to a family tradition that stretches way beyond the basketball court.

Ore-Ida has kept its spot as a leader in frozen foods for decades. You’ll find their tater tots in grocery stores all over the country.

The company’s roots in innovation have now woven into NIL history, thanks to Saunders.

The Tater Shots Promotion

In March 2025, Ore-Ida launched the “Heir Richie” campaign, putting Richie Saunders front and center for their new tater tot push. The “Tater Shots” promo tied Saunders’ success on the court to some clever marketing for Ore-Ida.

Every time BYU won in the NCAA Tournament, Ore-Ida rolled out a giveaway for fans. They connected March Madness excitement with free tater tots.

This partnership blended basketball, food, and family legacy. Saunders even picked up the nickname “Heir King” because of his family’s tater tot roots and his role at BYU.

Highlights of the Tater Shots Promotion:

• Saunders being F. Nephi Grigg’s great-grandson is a big theme.
• The “tot clock” runs for 30 minutes after each BYU win.
• Both Saunders and Ore-Ida saw a spike in national attention.

Free Tater Tots Campaign

Saunders and Ore-Ida agreed to give away free tater tots nationwide every time BYU won during the NCAA Tournament. The campaign details said fans had a 30-minute window—the “tot clock”—after a BYU win to claim their free bag.

Fans just had to register on Ore-Ida’s Instagram during that window. The promotion got a lot of buzz for being fun and creative.

Saunders used the campaign to celebrate his heritage and connect with BYU fans, while Ore-Ida leaned into their basketball and food culture connection.

Key Details Table

Item	Details
Company	Ore-Ida
Product	Tater Tots
Campaign Name	Heir Richie / Tater Shots
Giveaway Trigger	Each BYU win in NCAA Tournament
Giveaway Duration	30 minutes (“tot clock” after win)
Eligibility	Open to fans via Ore-Ida’s Instagram registration
Key Individual	Richie Saunders (great-grandson of founder)
Founder/Invention Year	F. Nephi Grigg, 1950s

Richie Saunders Net Worth

Richie Saunders draws attention for both his play and his financial prospects as one of BYU’s top basketball players. NIL opportunities and recent deals have shaped his estimated net worth and income streams in college hoops.

Estimated Net Worth and Earnings

In 2025, people estimate Richie Saunders’ net worth at around $100,000 to $250,000. That number takes into account recent NIL deals, endorsements, and team success.

His NIL value jumped up after BYU’s strong run in the NCAA Tournament.

The Ore-Ida deal stands out the most, thanks to his family’s history—his great-grandfather helped invent Tater Tots. That unique NIL opportunity with Ore-Ida brought him a lot of attention and potential income.

Estimated 2025 Net Worth Breakdown

Category	Amount
NIL Deals	$75,000-$180,000
Endorsements/Sponsorships	$15,000-$30,000
Miscellaneous	$10,000-$40,000

These are just estimates based on public info and media guesses. Actual earnings could shift as Saunders’ career moves forward.

Sources of Income Beyond NIL

NIL money makes up a big chunk of Saunders’ net worth, but it’s not the only source. Sponsorships—especially those tied to his personal and local brand—add extra financial support.

His strong performances on the court boost his value to brands and fans.

He also earns from merchandise sales, appearances, and digital content. Like a lot of college athletes, Saunders has found ways to benefit from leading a popular team in a big conference.

BYU’s resources, alumni network, and fan base help him out too. All those factors give him a good shot at future professional or commercial opportunities.

Social Media and Public Image

Richie Saunders has built a solid presence off the court as well. His social media helps him connect with fans, and press coverage shapes how people see him.

Instagram and Fan Engagement

Saunders stays active on Instagram, sharing moments from his BYU basketball life. His account, @rsaunders15, features game highlights, practice shots, and behind-the-scenes pics with teammates.

He posts about team wins, which helps build a sense of community with his followers.

He interacts with fans by replying to comments and sometimes sharing fan art or messages in his stories. Special posts celebrate milestones—like big wins or personal achievements—giving fans a peek into his journey.

This approach keeps him popular and expands his reach among BYU supporters and college basketball fans everywhere.

Statistics Table:

Platform	Followers	Engagement Rate
Instagram	~10,000	High

Media Coverage and Publicity

Both local and national outlets have covered Saunders. Reporters have highlighted his impact at BYU, especially when he delivered in key games.

He’s gotten shoutouts for leadership and clutch plays during press conferences and in sports stories.

That Ore-Ida NIL deal really put him in the spotlight, earning headlines for the tater tot giveaways after BYU wins. The “Heir Richie” campaign drew in fans outside the usual college basketball crowd and became a hot topic on social and traditional media.

His image as a reliable and relatable athlete just keeps growing thanks to these positive stories and interviews.

You can find more about his NIL work and Ore-Ida promos in this article on Richie Saunders’ Tater Tot NIL deal.

Career Highlights and Notable Games

Richie Saunders has stepped up in high-pressure moments, earning a reputation as a steady scorer and defensive asset. Some of his most memorable games came against tough opponents, and he’s played a part in big BYU wins.

VCU and Wisconsin Matchups

Saunders made his mark in games against VCU and Wisconsin. His energy off the bench helped swing momentum BYU’s way.

Against VCU, he scored crucial points and locked down on defense during a tense game.

In the Wisconsin matchup, Saunders showed grit under pressure. He hustled for offensive boards and stretched the floor, creating second-chance opportunities as BYU battled to stay close.

Key Stats Table:

Opponent	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals
VCU	11	5	2	1
Wisconsin	13	6	1	2

Those performances stood out for their energy and efficiency, locking Saunders in as a key part of BYU’s bench.

All-Big 12 First Team Honors

In the 2024-25 season, Saunders grabbed All-Big 12 First Team honors after delivering against some of the toughest competition in the country. Coaches and analysts praised his scoring, defense, and his willingness to take on bigger roles.

He averaged double figures in points and became a dependable rebounder. The All-Big 12 nod marked his growth from a rotation player to one of the conference’s top wings.

That’s a big milestone for his college career and raises the bar for what’s next at BYU.

Memorable BYU Victories

Saunders played a big part in several memorable BYU wins. He scored a career-high 20 points in a win over Georgia State, showing he could take over when needed.

In conference play, he hit double digits in six games as a freshman and stepped up when BYU needed extra offense.

BYU leaned on his intensity and timely shooting in close games. His efforts helped secure big wins against ranked opponents and built his reputation for stepping up when it counts.

The Cougars haven’t reached a national championship during Saunders’s time yet, but his impact in big games is a major storyline.

Future Prospects for Richie Saunders

Fans and coaches are keeping a close eye on Richie Saunders’ journey with BYU, especially since he’s become so important to the program. The choices he makes and his play in the next year could shape not just his own future, but the Cougars’ chances in a tough Big 12.

Potential Transfers and the Transfer Portal

People keep wondering if Saunders might jump into the transfer portal. Up to now, he hasn’t put his name in, which honestly says something about his loyalty to BYU and the new head coach, Kevin Young.

Coaches and fans recognize Saunders for his steady minutes and rising value with the Cougars. He stands out because he can score and defend as a forward—definitely not something you see every day.

The transfer world shifts all the time, so BYU can’t feel totally secure about keeping him long-term. Still, recent coverage points out that both recruits and current players seem to think BYU’s future looks a lot brighter with Saunders sticking around.

Expectations for the 2024-25 Season

If we’re talking about next season, Saunders looks set for a bigger role at BYU. Kevin Young, the new head coach, really emphasizes player growth and has singled out Saunders as a key guy—his experience and work ethic don’t go unnoticed.

Here’s a quick look at some of his stats so far:

Season	Games Played	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Minutes Per Game
2022-23	34	6.4	3.5	18.2
2023-24	34	8.8	4.2	22.5

A lot of people expect Saunders to break into the starting lineup and bump up those averages. If he gets more minutes and responsibility, his scoring and leadership should take off, and he could easily become a focal point for BYU on both ends of the floor.

Long-Term Career Potential

Saunders has some impressive physical tools, and you can see steady improvement in his game. Some people even view him as a possible future pro.

Scouts seem to like how he defends different positions and how he crashes the boards. If he keeps working on his offensive skills, you never know—he might catch the eye of pro teams here in the U.S. or maybe even overseas.

Playing in the Big 12 gives him more exposure, and he gets to test himself against tougher competition every week. That kind of experience definitely helps.

Honestly, whether he ends up in the NBA or finds a good spot playing overseas, it’s all going to come down to how much he keeps growing. He’s built a strong foundation at BYU, and he doesn’t shy away from big roles, so he’s got a real shot at a pro basketball future.