Zakai Zeigler – Tennessee NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information Update for 2025

Zakai Zeigler stands out as one of Tennessee basketball’s brightest stars, both on the hardwood and in the ever-evolving world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. He’s a sharp point guard, and his leadership has earned him national attention, plus a string of lucrative partnerships. His net worth? It’s already in the six-figure range, thanks to his successful NIL deals.

Fans and analysts have followed Zeigler’s journey closely. From big game moments to his decision to turn down major NIL offers from other schools, his values have really set him apart.

If you’re into college athletics, Zeigler’s growing influence and financial outlook show just how today’s student-athletes juggle success.

Zakai Zeigler Profile

Zakai Zeigler has made a name for himself at Tennessee. People know him for his quickness and leadership.

His path from New York playgrounds to college stardom is a story of dedication—both on and off the court.

Early Life and Background

Zakai grew up in the Bronx, New York City, a place with deep basketball roots. His mom, Charmane Zeigler, raised him and taught him early on about hard work and the importance of family.

He started out at Immaculate Conception High School in New Jersey. Later, he played at Our Saviour Lutheran School back in the Bronx.

Zakai spent hours working on his game on city courts before he got noticed in high school tournaments. Even though he’s just 5′ 9″ and sometimes called undersized, he quickly built a reputation for toughness and making smart decisions.

Coaches and peers around New York and Long Island respected his resilience and discipline.

High School Career

At Immaculate Conception, Zeigler really started to turn heads with his defense and vision. After transferring to Our Saviour Lutheran, he kept developing against some of the best competition in New York.

During his senior year, Zeigler averaged double figures and dished out several assists a game. People praised his intensity and his willingness to share the ball, which caught the eyes of college coaches.

Here’s a quick look at his senior year stats:

Season	School	Points/Game	Assists/Game	Steals/Game
Senior Year	Our Saviour Lutheran (Bronx, NY)	12.3	6.2	2.8

His growth in high school set him up for college success.

Personal Life and Family

Family means everything to Zeigler. His mom, Charmane, has always been there for him, cheering him on and offering advice.

He’s close with his brother, Armoni, and often says his family’s support keeps him going. The Zeigler family faced tough times, like the fire that displaced them during Zakai’s time at Tennessee, but they stuck together.

Off the court, Zeigler keeps a positive attitude and stays involved in the community. He joins charity events and tries to set a good example for young athletes in New York and beyond.

You can read more about his story in his detailed biography.

College Career at Tennessee

Zakai Zeigler wasted no time making an impact with the Tennessee Volunteers. As a point guard, he brought defensive energy, leadership, and the ability to set up his teammates in big moments.

Recruitment and Commitment

Coming from Long Island, Zeigler grabbed attention in his last year of high school with his quick first step and gritty style. A late growth spurt and strong AAU showings led to several scholarship offers the summer before college.

He picked the University of Tennessee, drawn by the SEC’s competitive edge and Rick Barnes’ defense-first coaching. Most people thought it was a good fit, and Zeigler promised to bring his tenacity and vision to the Vols’ backcourt.

He arrived as a three-star recruit but quickly started to outplay expectations. Zeigler’s work ethic in practice set the tone for his college career, and his recruitment turned out to be a big win for Tennessee basketball.

Role Under Head Coach Rick Barnes

Coach Rick Barnes helped Zeigler grow into a starting point guard and a team leader. Barnes counted on him to run the offense, defend the other team’s best guards, and create chances for his teammates.

Zeigler’s communication on the floor and ability to adapt to Barnes’ defensive schemes earned him big minutes as a freshman. He made a name for himself with relentless ball pressure and quick decisions.

By his sophomore and junior years, Zeigler was running the offense and leading in the locker room too. Barnes often praised his dedication, pointing to Zeigler’s impact on and off the court.

The team’s defense got noticeably better while Zeigler was there.

Key College Achievements

Zeigler racked up some impressive milestones and awards in college. He became just the second player in Tennessee history to reach 600 career assists—a testament to his playmaking.

He made the SEC All-Defensive Team four straight years (2022–2025) and picked up third-team All-American honors in 2025.

Here’s a summary of his college stats (2021–2025):

Season	GP	PPG	APG	SPG	FG%	3P%
2021–2022	35	8.8	2.7	1.9	39.5	32.8
2022–2023	36	10.7	5.4	2.1	40.7	34.2
2023–2024	33	11.1	6.0	2.2	41.1	35.0
2024–2025	34	12.2	6.4	2.0	42.0	36.1

Zeigler kept getting better every year, and his defensive honors put him among the top point guards in the country.

SEC and NCAA Tournament Performances

Each March, Zeigler played a big role for the Vols. His defense and leadership helped Tennessee reach the SEC Tournament semifinals and finals several times.

In the NCAA Tournament, Zeigler led the offense against top teams. He put up strong assist numbers and pushed Tennessee’s transition game.

His best postseason came in his junior year, when the Vols made it all the way to the Elite Eight. Zeigler’s poise and energy made him a go-to guy in high-pressure moments. Coaches trusted him with the ball late in games, and he earned a reputation for composure on the national stage.

You can check out more of his career highlights on his detailed profile.

On-Court Performance and Playing Style

Zakai Zeigler earned his spot as one of Tennessee’s most dynamic point guards. He could distribute the ball, make clutch steals, and defend tough matchups night after night.

Position and Key Skills

Zeigler played point guard, running the offense and setting up his teammates. His quick decisions and sharp court sense helped him find open players and control the game’s tempo.

He really shined in pick-and-roll situations. Zeigler created scoring chances for himself and others with solid ball-handling and passing, even under pressure.

His assist numbers show just how valuable he was as a playmaker. On defense, Zeigler played with relentless energy and quick hands.

He often guarded the other team’s best perimeter players, making things tough for them. People around the SEC noticed his defensive skills.

Season Statistics and Records

In his last season at Tennessee, Zeigler put up standout numbers in several categories. He averaged over 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game.

His field goal percentage hovered around 45%, and he shot better than 80% from the line. Here’s a quick look:

Category	Value
Points/Game	10.3
Assists/Game	5.7
Steals/Game	2.1
FG%	45%
FT%	80%+

Zeigler also became just the second player in Tennessee history to reach 600 career assists. His passing put him in elite company among Vols point guards.

Notable Defensive Highlights

Coaches often asked Zeigler to guard the opponent’s top guard. His energy and anticipation led to huge steals late in games.

He had a knack for turning defense into offense—stripping the ball and starting fast breaks when it mattered most. Zeigler’s impact on defense went way beyond stats.

His hustle and positioning helped Tennessee become one of the SEC’s top defensive teams. That consistency earned him recognition as a top defender, including SEC Defensive Player of the Year nominations.

Not many guards could pressure ball handlers and disrupt passing lanes like Zeigler. His tenacity and willingness to make hustle plays made him the backbone of Tennessee’s defense.

For more on his playing style and NIL journey, check out his player information.

NIL Deals and Endorsements

Zakai Zeigler’s strong play at Tennessee opened doors for several name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. His on-court reputation and growing online presence helped him land endorsement partners and valuable deals.

Overview of Name, Image, and Likeness

The NCAA changed its rules in 2021, letting college athletes earn money from their NIL—basically, their name, image, and likeness. Now, players like Zeigler have more control over their own brands.

For basketball players, NIL deals usually come from social media, endorsements, and appearances. As Tennessee’s starting point guard, Zeigler quickly became one of the team’s top faces.

His style of play and leadership built up his fanbase, which made brands take notice. Thanks to his rising profile, Zeigler now ranks among the top 100 point guards for NIL value.

These deals bring in income and boost his exposure before a possible pro career.

Major Endorsement Partners

Zeigler kicked off his NIL journey with an agreement with Spyre Sports Group, a sports marketing agency based in Tennessee.

Spyre helped him land several local and national sponsors.

He’s teamed up with brands like The Players’ Lounge, a platform that connects athletes and fans. Although there’s no official word about deals with Ritz Crackers, The Dairy Alliance, or Under Armour, players in Zeigler’s spot usually attract regional brands and companies linked to the university.

Social media—especially Instagram—plays a big role in his endorsements. It lets him reach a bigger audience and show off sponsor messages in a way that feels natural.

NIL Deal Tracker and Earnings

Zeigler’s NIL earnings probably land somewhere in the six-figure range, but nobody’s really shared the exact numbers.

His NIL valuation puts him among the top mid-tier NCAA point guards.

Here’s a quick look at his NIL profile:

Category	Value / Partner
Estimated NIL Earnings	$100,000–$200,000
Key Partner(s)	Spyre Sports Group, The Players’ Lounge
NIL Ranking	Top 100 NCAA Point Guards
Social Media	Active on Instagram
Deal Types	Social media posts, appearances, marketing campaigns

He’s made NIL money from both direct endorsements and online content.

With more exposure and on-court success, he’ll probably keep growing his list of partners and boost his NIL value. If you want more details, there are resources that track his NIL deals and value with regular updates.

Impact on the Tennessee Volunteers

Zakai Zeigler’s time with the Tennessee Volunteers has shaped the team in more ways than just stats.

His impact reaches into leadership, loyalty, and some pretty big program milestones.

Leadership and Team Loyalty

Zeigler has shown a real commitment to the Volunteers.

He chose to come back for his senior season, which isn’t something you see every day now that so many players transfer. Teammates and coaches talk up his positive influence in the locker room, especially when things get tough.

Fans credit Zeigler’s leadership for holding the team together after injuries and departures.

He’s also taken younger players under his wing, helping the Vols build a tight-knit group based on trust.

Off the court, Zeigler shows up at campus events and university outreach. He’s at charity drives, he speaks at local schools—he really seems to love his role as a Volunteer.

Because of this, people see him as a trusted face of Tennessee athletics, both on campus and around Knoxville.

Contributions to Program Success

Zeigler made an immediate impact when he arrived at Tennessee.

As a starting guard, he brought energy and a steady hand when the pressure was on.

His playmaking pushed the Volunteers to the NCAA tournament several times, even helping them reach the Elite Eight.

Here are some of his key stats:

Season	Points per Game	Assists per Game	Steals per Game	Team Record
2021-22	8.8	2.7	1.7	27-8
2022-23	10.7	5.4	2.0	25-11
2023-24	11.9	7.1	2.3	28-7

He became Tennessee’s all-time assists leader, guiding the team through tough moments and stepping up in clutch situations.

Zeigler’s knack for creating chances and making teammates better led to new program records and helped Tennessee reach new heights.

He stuck around to earn his graduate degree and mentor others. His attitude and performance set a standard for future Volunteers.

If you want more on his career, check out his player information and career impact.

Draft Prospects and Professional Future

NBA scouts have noticed Zeigler for his playmaking and leadership at point guard.

His decision-making, quickness, and defensive effort make him stand out in the 2025 draft class.

NBA Draft Considerations

NBA teams always want point guards who control the pace and defend well.

Zeigler stands at 5’9″ and weighs 170 pounds—not the biggest guy, but his quickness and vision pop off the screen. In his last season, he averaged 13.9 points and 7.5 assists per game, helping Tennessee make a solid tournament run.

A few teams that need point guards are watching him as a possible late first- or early second-round pick for the 2025 NBA Draft.

His leadership and mature game make him a strong candidate, even if some worry about his size.

2024-25 Season Statistics

Category	Stat
Points	13.9
Assists	7.5
Steals	2.1

His recent performances have moved his draft stock up, and some analysts think he could surprise people if he lands in the right spot.

Transition to Pro Basketball

Jumping from college to the pros is tough—especially for smaller guards.

Zeigler will have to show he can handle the NBA’s physicality and speed. His college defense looked good, but keeping that edge in the league will be a real test.

Offensively, Zeigler already knows how to break down defenses and find open teammates.

A lot of scouts see him as a potential backup point guard who could carve out a long NBA career if he keeps developing.

The Babcock Hoops scouting report notes some questions about his shooting consistency, but his work ethic and basketball IQ get high marks.

Team fit will shape his early NBA role, but Zeigler’s toughness, playmaking, and leadership give him a legit shot to stick around as the 2026 season gets closer.

Off-Court Activities and Influence

Zakai Zeigler’s name has grown at Tennessee not just because of basketball, but thanks to his efforts to build his profile and goals away from the court.

His reputation keeps growing as he stays involved with fans, local causes, and by keeping a visible presence online.

Community Engagement

Zeigler jumps into projects that give back to the community.

He shows up at fundraisers and local charity events, connecting with kids and families in Knoxville.

During college, he joined youth basketball clinics and helped with charity drives, especially for education and health causes.

After his family’s apartment caught fire in 2022, Zeigler worked with groups supporting fire victims and affordable housing.

Tennessee fans seem to appreciate Zeigler’s genuine attitude.

His community work has helped him build strong relationships and a positive public image.

He’s a good example of how athletes can use their platform for something bigger than just sports.

Community Initiatives Table

Initiative	Role	Impact/Focus
Youth Basketball Clinics	Participant	Skill training for local kids
Fire Relief Events	Spokesperson	Fundraising, outreach
School Visits	Speaker	Promoting education

Media Presence and Social Platforms

Zeigler keeps up a solid media presence, especially on Instagram.

He shares updates on college basketball and moments from his personal life. You’ll see game days, training, and local charity work in his posts, which helps him connect with all kinds of people.

He makes fan engagement a priority, using Stories and Q&As to keep things interactive.

That approach has helped him build a decent following among college basketball fans and sponsors.

By keeping his online profile active, Zeigler boosts his chances for NIL opportunities.

His digital presence strikes a nice balance between pro sports goals and real-life interests, which seems to click with brands and younger fans.

For updates or a peek into his off-court journey, Zeigler’s Instagram page is usually a good place to look. There’s more on his NIL deals and public image if you’re curious.

NIL and NCAA Compliance

Zeigler’s college basketball path really highlights the challenge of balancing big NIL opportunities with strict NCAA rules.

Eligibility isn’t just about talent—it hinges on meeting compliance standards and, sometimes, taking legal action.

NCAA Rules and Eligibility

The NCAA sets the rules for college athletes, including eligibility and how players can profit from NIL deals.

Zeigler ran into a major hurdle when the NCAA denied him a fifth year of eligibility.

That decision kept him from coming back to play, even though he stood to gain from NIL agreements.

A lot of top players face similar battles as they try to juggle team commitments and personal interests.

Zeigler took legal action against the NCAA, asking the court to let him play and sign new NIL contracts.

According to recent news, his case raises big questions about eligibility and athlete rights.

Here’s a quick table of common NCAA requirements:

Requirement	Impact on Athletes
Academic Performance	Must stay eligible
Compliance with Rules	Prevents suspensions
Years of Eligibility	Limits playing career
NIL Earnings	Must not break rules

Representation and Legal Considerations

Student athletes signing NIL deals need professional advice to avoid breaking NCAA rules.

Zeigler’s case shows why legal help is so important.

He sued the NCAA, saying their eligibility rules cost him playing time and NIL earnings.

His lawsuit, filed under state and federal laws, asks the court to let him join a new team while the case goes on.

Lawyers help athletes interpret NCAA guidelines and deal terms, making sure players don’t end up in deals that could hurt their eligibility.

Zeigler’s legal strategy uses both the federal court system and state trade laws, as explained in this coverage.

For college athletes, hiring agents, advisors, and legal counsel isn’t just smart—it’s pretty much essential in today’s NIL and NCAA compliance world.

That’s how they protect their earnings and college careers from unexpected rule changes or disputes.

Recruitment and Transfer Portal

Zakai Zeigler’s recruitment path and recent moves through the transfer portal have shaped his development as a college basketball player.

His choices reflect the realities of player mobility and the ever-changing landscape of big-time college sports.

Transfer Portal Updates

Zeigler grabbed national attention with his play at Tennessee. Fans and coaches noticed his quickness and knack for making things happen, and he helped Tennessee reach the Elite Eight twice.

The transfer portal has become a go-to for athletes chasing new chances. Zeigler took a pretty strategic route through it.

Recent updates say Zeigler looked at his transfer options but decided to stick with Tennessee for the 2024-2025 season. He apparently turned down a massive $5.7 million NIL offer from schools like Georgia and Notre Dame, choosing loyalty to his school and teammates instead.

That kind of decision really shows his commitment to Tennessee and how much big programs wanted him for their own rosters. If you want the details on his transfer moves, you’ll see how he weighed loyalty against some eye-popping offers.

Key Transfer Interest Table:

School	NIL Offer	Decision
Georgia	$5.7 million	Declined
Notre Dame	$5.7 million	Declined
Tennessee	Not disclosed	Stayed

Check out more on Zeigler’s portal activity and choices in this recent portal news.

College Football Cross-Interest

Even though Zeigler’s a basketball standout, his name sometimes popped up in college football circles, mostly because schools like Georgia and Notre Dame have big programs in both sports.

Major athletic departments keep competing for talent across sports, and those powerhouse football schools often use their resources and big NIL packages to lure basketball guys, too.

But Zeigler stayed focused on basketball, showing he preferred established hoops programs over chasing offers from football-heavy schools. The interest he got across sports really just shows how much people value him, even if his main thing is basketball.

Notable Career Highlights

Zakai Zeigler’s basketball journey stands out for his winning mentality and how he thrives under pressure. People noticed him early, and he just kept getting better, earning top-level recognition.

Peach Jam and Early Achievements

Zeigler’s rise really started at the Peach Jam tournament. That’s one of the biggest youth basketball events out there.

He played for the New York Lightning and showed off his court vision and speed—he could match up with any top prospect. Recruiters and analysts took notice as he anchored his team with tough defense and smart playmaking.

During Peach Jam and other showcases, Zeigler averaged double figures in points and assists. He made an impact on both ends of the floor. His performances boosted his recruiting profile and got SEC programs interested.

Here’s a quick look at his early Peach Jam stats:

Year	Points/Game	Assists/Game	Steals/Game
2021	11.2	6.5	2.1

Those numbers don’t just show his individual talent—they show how much he helped his team win when it mattered.

National Recognitions

Zeigler’s skills carried over to college ball at Tennessee. In 2024, he picked up SEC Defensive Player of the Year and made First-Team All-SEC. That says a lot about his impact on both ends of the court.

He earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team three times. Outlets like On3 kept ranking him among the nation’s best point guards for his defense, leadership, and steady play.

Zeigler’s ability to control games and push through tough stretches earned him a lot of respect as one of the top defensive guards in college basketball.

For more on his awards and highlights, check Zakai Zeigler’s list of honors and his profile on College Net Worth.

Future Outlook

Zakai Zeigler keeps making progress as a leader for Tennessee basketball, on and off the court. His future looks shaped by his last year of eligibility, recent recognition, and the doors that big NIL deals have opened.

Fifth Season and Eligibility

Zeigler plans to play his fifth season with Tennessee, using an extra year of eligibility. This final year gives him a shot to develop his skills even more and step up as a leader.

He heads into 2025 as a veteran point guard, already known for his defense and playmaking. During his senior year, Zeigler averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Here’s a look at those senior stats:

Season	Points per Game	Assists per Game	Steals per Game
2024-25	11.9	7.6	1.8

His fifth year could really cement his legacy at Tennessee and give his 2026 NBA Draft hopes a boost. Zeigler’s experience and performance have made him a central figure for the Volunteers.

Long-Term Career Goals

Zeigler doesn’t just see college as the finish line. In 2024, he grabbed the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award, which says a lot about his drive for both personal and team wins.

He’s also built up a solid profile with some big NIL deals, like that landmark $15 million endorsement deal. That’s a number that turns heads.

These wins could make his jump to pro basketball—NBA or overseas—a bit smoother. Zeigler’s already teamed up with sports marketing groups and started gearing up for NBA pre-draft workouts.

Down the road, he’ll probably mix pro basketball with public appearances, brand partnerships, and some real effort to give back to the Tennessee program.