Which School Has the Most NIL Money? Breaking Down Leading College Sports Programs

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have totally changed college sports. Student-athletes at certain schools now get huge opportunities.

Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama currently lead the nation with the most NIL money. Their athletes land major endorsement deals and benefit from big collectives. These schools built strong networks that attract top talent and keep their best players around.

The rise of NIL collectives and new NCAA rules on revenue sharing really shook things up. Programs with deep pockets now recruit better and win more.

Here’s a quick look at how the top programs stack up with estimated NIL money:

School	Estimated NIL Money
Ohio State	Very High
Georgia	Very High
Alabama	Very High
Other Top 10	High

If you want more details on which schools have the most NIL money or how NIL deals are changing college sports, check out which school has the most NIL money.

Understanding NIL Money in College Sports

College athletics changed overnight when student-athletes gained the right to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This new era flipped the script on revenue in college sports and how schools pull in talent.

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

Name, image, and likeness (NIL) gives student-athletes the chance to make money from their personal brands. Before this, NCAA rules blocked players from earning cash for things like sponsorships, social media, or signing events.

Now, student-athletes sign with agencies, appear in ads, or team up with businesses for promotional work. These deals can be national or just with companies in their college town.

Schools benefit from this, too. Programs with big fan followings or high athletic revenue offer more NIL earning potential to recruits.

How NIL Revenue and Deals Work

NIL revenue comes from all over. Student-athletes get paid for ads, signing events, or promoting products on social media.

Some deals pay a flat fee, while others depend on views, clicks, or sales. Most deals come from two places: private businesses (brands, local shops, or big companies) and school-run collectives.

These collectives raise money from donors and supporters to set up more NIL deals for athletes. Since not every sport brings in the same cash, football and men’s basketball usually see the biggest NIL earnings.

Here’s a table with typical NIL earnings by sport:

Sport	Average NIL Earning (estimate)
Football	$50,000+
Men’s Basketball	$40,000+
Women’s Basketball	$20,000+
Olympic Sports	$1,000–$10,000

NIL Valuations and Their Impact on College Athletics

NIL valuation estimates how much a student-athlete might make from NIL opportunities. These numbers depend on skill, popularity, social media, team success, and local business support.

Some players at top schools land six- or even seven-figure deals. NIL valuation now shapes recruiting everywhere.

Schools with bigger athletic budgets or stronger alumni networks usually offer more NIL money. The fight for top recruits is getting wild. Mid-major schools try to keep up by building creative local partnerships.

Honestly, understanding NIL valuation is almost as important as tracking scholarships now. If you want more on estimated NIL spending and which programs lead in NIL investment, check out collegefootballnetwork.com’s analysis of top NIL programs.

Top Schools Leading in NIL Money

Some of the biggest college sports programs now have millions flowing through NIL deals. Top schools attract big brands and set up collectives to support athlete partnerships.

Major Programs With the Highest NIL Earnings

Elite programs like Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan keep showing up with the highest NIL totals. They use strong fan bases, championship histories, and big alumni networks to open doors for their athletes.

Ohio State and Texas really stand out. Their players score big deals in both football and basketball.

Collectives like “The Foundation” at Ohio State organize local business support. At Alabama, their history of sending players to the NFL attracts even more NIL interest.

LSU, Georgia, and Oregon also rank near the top thanks to strong support for athletes.

Here’s a quick comparison of top schools and their average NIL earnings:

School	Notable Sport	Estimated NIL Money*
Texas	Football	$4-5 million
Ohio State	Football/Basketball	$4-5 million
Alabama	Football	$3-4 million
Georgia	Football	$3-4 million
Michigan	Football	$2-3 million
Oregon	Football	$2-3 million
LSU	Football/Basketball	$2-3 million

*Estimates come from public reports, not official NCAA numbers.

Significant NIL Collectives and Partnerships

NIL collectives really push schools to the top of these rankings now. These groups don’t work directly for the universities but set up paid partnerships for athletes.

At Texas, “The Texas One Fund” gives football and basketball players a shot at high-earning deals. Ohio State’s “The Foundation” works with both local and national brands.

At Oregon, “Division Street” works closely with Nike and other sponsors. These collectives arrange appearances, marketing, and community events for players.

This system gives athletes steady income and helps schools recruit better. LSU and Georgia also built strong networks to support their top talent with alumni and donor-funded collectives.

On3 and collegenetworth.com Rankings

Ranking sites like On3 and collegenetworth.com keep up-to-date lists of schools with the most NIL money.

They use reported deals, athlete social media value, and collective activity to estimate total NIL impact. Recent On3 data shows Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan at the top.

Collegenetworth.com notes that Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama built “robust networks” backing their athletes. Strong collectives and big brands keep these schools ahead in both rankings.

These rankings aren’t just about the money. They show how organized efforts and big partnerships help certain schools dominate as NIL keeps evolving.

Breakdown by Sport: Football vs. Basketball NIL Money

College sports look totally different now that name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals are here. NIL money really shapes how schools recruit and keep top talent in both football and basketball.

NIL Earnings in College Football

Football brings in the most NIL money by far. Data shows football athletes get about 45.7% of total NIL compensation across all sports.

Players at major programs—especially championship contenders—see much bigger NIL deals than athletes in other sports.

Powerhouse schools like Alabama, Texas, and Georgia lead the way here. Their fan bases and corporate partners are massive.

Strong NIL collectives boost their recruiting power even more. Most deals come from endorsements, autographs, and social media partnerships.

School	Est. NIL Pool (2024)	Notable NIL Partnerships
Alabama	$5-6 million	The Yea Alabama Collective
Texas	$4-5 million	Horns With Heart, Clark Field
Georgia	$3-4 million	Classic City Collective

Star quarterbacks and elite recruits usually get the biggest contracts. These NIL payouts drive recruiting and can tip the scales in national championships.

If you want more details, check out the sport-by-sport NIL breakdown.

NIL Revenue in College Basketball

Men’s and women’s basketball also pull in serious NIL money, though not as much as football. Basketball players together get over a quarter of total NIL compensation.

Men’s and women’s teams both benefit from growing sponsorships and digital brand deals.

Schools with a history of deep tournament runs, like Duke, Kentucky, and UConn, usually have bigger NIL pools.

Top athletes, especially high-profile recruits, sign deals with both local businesses and national brands. Women’s basketball has seen more NIL investment lately thanks to rising TV ratings and fan support.

School	Est. NIL Pool (2024)	Notable NIL Groups
Kentucky	$2-3 million	The 15 Club
Duke	$2-2.5 million	The Brotherhood
UConn	$1.5-2 million	Bleeding Blue Collective

Success in March Madness brings more sponsors and fans, which keeps boosting NIL value every year. For a list of leading programs, check out the top schools with the most NIL money in basketball.

Conference Comparison of NIL Powerhouses

NIL opportunities have totally reshaped college sports, especially in major conferences with strong football and basketball traditions.

Programs with deep alumni networks, big fan bases, and long histories of success are leading in athlete compensation and NIL deal volume.

SEC: Southeastern Conference Standouts

The SEC keeps flexing its muscles in college sports, especially when it comes to NIL money. Schools like the University of Georgia and LSU lead the way, fueled by football wins and super-passionate alumni.

Georgia just keeps winning championships, and brands have noticed. LSU has built a strong NIL setup, and its football and women’s basketball teams pull in some of the best deals out there.

These schools get tons of national TV exposure. Their collectives and alumni pour in support, giving athletes a real leg up.

Donors play a huge part in the SEC’s NIL dominance. Here’s a quick look at estimated annual NIL earnings for some of the biggest SEC schools:

School	Estimated NIL Money (Annual)
Georgia	$3.5M+
LSU	$3M+
Alabama	$3M+
Texas A&M	$2.5M+

Figures are estimates and might change year to year or by sport.

Big Ten Programs and NIL Success

The Big Ten really stands out in athlete compensation, often topping other conferences during the NIL era. Ohio State leads the charge, with over 1,000 reported NIL deals in just the first year and a solid support system for its athletes.

The Big Ten’s media reach and huge TV contracts mean more eyeballs and bigger opportunities for players. Ohio State’s quarterback even landed NIL deals worth over $2 million, putting him near the top nationally.

Michigan and Penn State also bring in major deals for their stars. If you want more info, check out the average Big Ten NIL rankings and compensation.

Big Ten programs mix loyal fans with big budgets, so they can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

ACC and Other Conferences’ Top Contenders

The ACC has some big NIL moves, but it usually trails the SEC and Big Ten in total deals. Miami, Clemson, and Florida State set the pace, using their football and basketball history to build strong brands.

Miami gets a boost from local businesses and some very generous supporters. Clemson and Florida State lean on dedicated donors and a long tradition of winning.

Still, ACC programs often work with smaller NIL budgets than their SEC and Big Ten rivals.

Other leagues like the Big 12 and Pac-12 have their moments, but the biggest deals and most opportunities usually go to the oldest and largest conferences. These programs keep trying new things, hoping to close the gap in the years ahead.

Notable University Case Studies

NIL success definitely isn’t equal everywhere. Some schools just know how to combine resources, alumni, and winning teams to attract top NIL talent.

Their efforts show how NIL deals are changing college sports right now.

Ohio State’s NIL Landscape

Ohio State University stays at the top of the NIL game. Its huge student body and football tradition attract big brands and star athletes.

Collectives like The Foundation have raised millions for Buckeyes across multiple sports.

Athletes at Ohio State can sign deals with local shops, national companies, and even some unique partnerships. Football and basketball players usually earn the most, but Olympic sports are getting in on the action too.

Ohio State now publishes clear guidelines so players don’t run afoul of NCAA rules or state laws.

Here’s a snapshot of Ohio State’s recent NIL landscape:

Year	NIL Activity ($ Estimated)	Major Collective
2023	$13M+	The Foundation
2024	$15M+	The Foundation, Cohesion

These numbers put Ohio State among the most active and well-funded NIL programs in the country.

You can find more details on the top schools for NIL money in this analysis.

Texas and Boosted NIL Investments

The University of Texas has gone all-in on NIL for its athletes. Austin’s business scene and the school’s alumni network give Texas a strong NIL foundation.

The Horns With Heart initiative stands out—they set up a program where every offensive lineman could earn $50,000 a year just by promoting charitable causes.

Brand deals at Texas often hit six figures. The state government has made it easy for athletes to sign endorsement deals, with hardly any red tape.

That makes Texas a big draw for recruits.

NIL support isn’t just for football. Women’s sports and Olympic athletes at Texas are seeing new backing too.

The focus now is on equity and access, with collectives promising wider opportunities for 2025.

Sport	Typical Deal Range	Notable Collective
Football	$50K–$300K+	Horns With Heart
Basketball	$25K–$100K	Texas One Fund

Michigan’s NIL Success Story

The University of Michigan Wolverines have struck a balance between big-sport deals and support for all their athletes. Their collective, Champions Circle, has become a big name in college sports.

Fans and alumni fund everything from football to women’s gymnastics.

Michigan’s football players have landed both national and local sponsorships. The men’s basketball team has also seen NIL money grow, with star players getting serious endorsement checks.

The school offers education so athletes know what they’re signing and avoid the usual mistakes.

Michigan stands out for its focus on long-term partnerships and community-based deals.

Here’s a quick look at Michigan’s estimated NIL impact:

Year	Total NIL Deals (Approx.)	Largest Reported Deal
2023	550+	$200K+ (football)
2024	650+	$250K+ (basketball)

This approach has kept the Wolverines competitive and boosted their reputation for NIL innovation.

The Role and Influence of NIL Collectives

NIL collectives have completely changed how college athletes make money from their name, image, and likeness. These groups pool money, build partnerships, and manage deals that can make or break a school’s recruiting.

How Collectives Drive NIL Money

NIL collectives operate as independent fundraising groups, working right alongside college athletic departments. They gather donations from fans, alumni, and businesses to fund athlete endorsements, social media promos, and appearances.

By pooling resources, collectives organize ways for athletes to get paid. This is huge now—donor-driven NIL collectives provide about 80% of NIL dollars in college football and basketball, and that’s reshaping recruiting.

Here are some key facts about NIL collective funding:

Stat	Detail
% of NIL $ (FB/Basketball)	~80% from Collectives
Year Collectives Emerged	2021
Revenue Sharing Cap (2025)	$20.5 million (projected)

Sometimes, these groups almost act like free agency, offering athletes big payments that can sway their college decisions.

The biggest collectives are now just as important as the schools for landing top players.

Key Collectives: The Foundation, The Grove Collective & Spyre Sports Group

A few collectives really stand out for their influence and the money they raise. The Foundation at Ohio State focuses on direct payments for player appearances and endorsements. It’s already one of the highest-funded collectives in the country.

The Grove Collective at Ole Miss is known for creative partnerships and aggressive fundraising. They connect players with local brands and give fans new ways to support their team.

Spyre Sports Group works with Tennessee, organizing major donations for football and basketball. They handle branding, events, and help players find sponsors.

These groups are shaping the financial side of college sports, and their success is a big reason some schools dominate in NIL money.

High-Profile Athletes and NIL Valuations

Top college athletes are now signing deals worth millions. Their earning power depends on talent, marketability, and recruiting choices.

Spotlight on Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning

Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning have massive NIL valuations as quarterbacks. Ewers started at Ohio State, then transferred to Texas, and became one of the first high schoolers to cash in on NIL policy changes.

That early jump opened up endorsement deals and local partnerships in Texas.

Manning joined Texas with huge expectations and a legendary football family behind him.

Both have signed with major brands, from equipment companies to local businesses. They keep showing up in the top NIL player rankings because of their performances and national profiles.

Estimated NIL Valuations (2025):

Player	School	Position	NIL Valuation
Quinn Ewers	Texas	QB	$1.5 to $2 million
Arch Manning	Texas	QB	$2.5 million+

These numbers aren’t just about how they play. Media presence and fan engagement play a huge role too.

For more up-to-date rankings, check out On3’s NIL valuations page.

Transfer Portal and Impact on NIL Earnings

The transfer portal has changed the NIL game for athletes looking to boost their value. High-profile players often see bigger NIL deals when they transfer.

Quinn Ewers is a perfect example. He left Ohio State for Texas, which brought him closer to home and connected him with local sponsors and collectives offering major endorsement deals.

Other athletes are following the same path. Schools with strong NIL programs use the portal to attract top talent, making their teams more competitive—and profitable.

For athletes, the portal isn’t just about playing time anymore; it’s about finding the best NIL opportunities, as you can see with the schools listed here.

Rising Stars: Cam Ward and Others

Cam Ward has become one of the most marketable rising stars in college football’s NIL era. After making a name for himself at Incarnate Word and Washington State, Ward’s transfer activity and on-field success have caught the eye of brands.

Ward’s deals include both local endorsements and bigger national brands.

Other up-and-coming players are watching and learning from his path. They know that standout performances and strong media presence can quickly lead to big earnings.

As NIL keeps changing college sports, rising stars like Ward are setting new standards for athlete marketing.

You can find more on the top 10 highest-paid NIL student-athletes if you’re curious.

Sponsorships, Donations, and Revenue Streams

Top college programs thrive thanks to a mix of sponsorships, donor support, and strong school backing.

These channels open up financial opportunities for athletes and help powerhouse schools stay ahead in the NIL era.

Role of Sponsorships in NIL Growth

Sponsorships drive a huge chunk of NIL deals now. Brands want to partner with high-profile athletes, especially at schools with big national followings and successful football or basketball programs.

These sponsorships might come from apparel companies, local businesses, or national brands.

Schools like Ohio State and Alabama get more sponsorship attention because their games are everywhere and their athletes have big social media reach.

Deals usually include social media posts, sponsored events, and ads.

A school’s market size and reputation matter a lot. In bigger markets, student-athletes can negotiate larger, multi-year deals.

Many schools now work with agencies to match athletes with sponsors, making the whole process smoother and more efficient for everyone.

Boosters and Donor Engagement

Donors and boosters bring in another big stream of NIL funding. Individual supporters or groups—usually called “NIL collectives”—pool their money to set up deals for athletes.

These collectives have a huge impact at schools with big, devoted alumni bases. Some of them raise millions each year, setting the funds aside just for athlete partnerships.

They work directly with student-athletes on brand promotions, appearances, and other NIL projects.

Here’s a quick look at collective funding at some of the top programs:

School	Estimated Annual Collective Funding
Ohio State	$13 million
Texas A&M	$10 million
Alabama	$8 million
Georgia	$7 million

Donors often get tax deductions for these contributions, which encourages even more people to join in. This support keeps top schools competitive and helps them bring in elite talent.

Institutional Support for NIL

Universities have started guiding student-athletes through the NIL process in a more hands-on way. Some schools now run dedicated NIL departments, offering resources like legal help, contract reviews, and educational workshops.

The coming change that allows direct NCAA revenue sharing will let schools pay athletes straight from their own revenue. In the 2025-26 school year, colleges can pay up to $20.5 million a year to their athletes.

This change will probably reduce the need for third-party collectives. Schools also help set up media opportunities and meetings between athletes and business partners.

They make sure all deals follow NCAA rules and give athletes support as they figure out NIL options.

Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

College sports are changing fast as athletes jump on NIL opportunities. This shift is transforming recruiting, daily operations, and competition.

New state and NCAA policies, along with creative strategies from powerhouse programs, are shaping the college net worth scene. If you’re following this space, it’s getting more interesting by the month.

Recruiting Strategies in the NIL Era

Recruiters now put NIL opportunities front and center during campus visits and scholarship talks. They highlight partnerships with both local and national companies.

Schools like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia talk up their large NIL collectives, giving recruits a clear picture of the financial perks available. Programs with strong alumni ties and business connections have a definite recruiting edge.

Key factors in recruiting now include:

• Access to major brand deals
• Strong support from local businesses
• Alumni connections for endorsement deals

Programs are upfront about market value, often sharing real examples of top earners. Now, families and recruits look at both athletic performance and NIL earning potential when choosing a school.

State Legislation and Policy Developments

States keep updating their laws to support student-athlete compensation, but the details vary a lot. In places like Texas and Florida, new laws let schools take a more active role in NIL activities, which brings more transparency and control.

Recent legislative shifts:

• States set the rules for how schools help with NIL contracts
• Many states now let high school athletes profit from their fame
• NCAA guidelines keep changing, usually following state trends

This uneven setup affects where athletes decide to play, especially as NIL expands into high school sports. As more states pass athlete-friendly rules, the competitive landscape could shift even more. For a broader look, check out this NIL expansion and trends overview.

Predictions for Powerhouse Programs

Programs with strong NIL backing from donors and collectives keep their spot at the top in recruiting. Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama lead in reported NIL funds, and Ohio State athletes get access to the most NIL money in college sports.

Estimated 2025 NIL Money Leaders

School	Approximate NIL Money
Ohio State	$13M
Georgia	$12M
Alabama	$10M
USC	$9M
Texas	$8.5M

These numbers show the power of each program’s alumni network, booster support, and brand partnerships. As more schools build organized collectives, those with higher college net worth will keep pulling in top talent, making the gap between elite and other schools even wider.

You can find more details by checking out NIL revenue by school.

Noteworthy Programs in the NIL Landscape

Schools from all over the country now compete not just on the field, but also in the NIL marketplace. Funding, market size, and alumni connections all help make some athletic departments more appealing.

Prominent East Coast and Midwest Schools

A lot of East Coast and Midwest programs have poured resources into NIL efforts. Schools like Miami, Louisville, North Carolina, and Notre Dame use their cities’ business scenes and big alumni bases to create financial opportunities for athletes.

The University of Miami stands out, with major donors and businesses helping them land top football and basketball recruits. Louisville and North Carolina rely on their local markets and have scored several high-value deals in men’s and women’s basketball.

Duke, Villanova, and Virginia are putting serious money into collective and brand-building partnerships. Even schools like Purdue and Indiana—despite smaller markets—have built solid NIL networks for their basketball and football programs.

Here’s a quick look at estimated NIL spending:

School	Estimated NIL Spend (2024-25)
Miami	$6 million
Louisville	$5.5 million
North Carolina	$4.8 million
Notre Dame	$4.5 million
Duke	$4.2 million

Rising Powerhouses in the South and West

Southern and Western programs keep pushing the envelope in NIL funding. They lean on passionate fanbases and aggressive collectives to get ahead.

The University of Tennessee really stands out here. Its Spyre Sports Group collective has pulled in more than $30 million in NIL deals, which makes Tennessee a hot spot for football and basketball recruits.

Auburn, Kentucky, Florida, and Ole Miss tap into big donor networks. They make sure their athletes can maximize earning power, especially in football and men’s basketball.

Out West, UCLA and USC take full advantage of being in Los Angeles. You can imagine how all those entertainment and endorsement opportunities bump up NIL value.

Texas Tech, Kansas, Kansas State, and Arkansas all compete for top recruits. Their structured NIL organizations and loyal boosters make a difference.

Baylor, Oklahoma’s Sooners, and Clemson are in the mix too. They’re always looking for ways to keep up with the big names.

Key estimated figures for NIL investments:

School	Estimated NIL Spend (2024-25)
Tennessee	$8.5 million
Kentucky	$6.2 million
Auburn	$5.8 million
UCLA	$5.4 million
USC	$5.1 million