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The top NIL earners in the NCAA from the past year

The top NIL earners in the NCAA from the past year

Ever since the rule change stating that NCAA athletes will now be able to profit off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), the college athletics scene has been forever changed. With greatness in the NCAA now comes the chance to make the big bucks off of your performance, giving plenty of incentive for athletes to continue their athletic prowess. In this list, the highest paid NCAA athletes will be listed in ranking according to their earnings in the past year.

10) Carson Beck – University of Georgia 

The UGA quarterback threw for an impressive 3,941 yards paired with a total of 21 touchdowns, leading his team to a 13-1 record ending in a huge win against Florida State University in the Orange Bowl. Beck is valued at about $1.5 million in NIL earnings in the past year, scoring deals with EA Sports, The Players’ Lounge, Associated Credit Union, Leaf Trading Cards, and Zero FG Energy.

9) Jalen Milroe – University of Alabama

The Crimson Tide sophomore threw for a total of 2,834 yards with 23 total touchdowns, ending in a final record of 12-1 with a loss against the University of Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Milroe has a total NIL valuation of $1.6 million, scoring major deals Six Star Pro Nutrition, EA Sports, Hey dude shoes, Rhoback, and Beats by Dre.

8) Angel Reese – Louisiana State University

Named the “Bayou Barbie”, the tigers’ power forward has taken over social media ever since the Women’s NCAA Tournament last year. With her senior season just ending, she can look back on her accolades such as SEC Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC, and First Team All-Defensive. Reese’s $1.8 million NIL valuation comes from her major deal partnerships with McDonalds, Coach, Goldman Sachs, Topps, Beats by Dre, Tampax, Reebok, Airbnb, Zoa Energy, and Amazon.

7) Quinn Ewers – University of Texas

Already the third NCAA quarterback to make this list, Ewers passed for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Longhorns to College Football Playoff Semi-Final, ultimately losing to University of Washington. The $1.9 million NIL valuation comes from a hefty chunk of Roster Value money, along with partnership deals for Hey dude shoes, C4 Energy, EA Sports, Beats by Dre, Panini America, Ryl Tea, and Texas One Fund. Ewers was also part of 7-Eleven’s Cleat Crew to help raise money for children’s hospitals.

6) Travis Hunter – University of Colorado

Following teammates and elite coach Deion Sanders to the University of Colorado, the offensive and defensive dual-threat racked up a total 57 receptions and 721 yards while also claiming 31 tackles and 3 interceptions to his name. Hunter’s $2.4 million valuation scores deals with major brands such as EA Sports, Leaf Trading Cards, Cheez-It, Celsius, American Eagle Outfitters, and many more.

5) Arch Manning – University of Texas

From the same bloodline as NFL and Superbowl legends, Peyton and Eli Manning, the University of Texas backup holds a high name value despite his limited playing time. Although his total snap count is low, Manning has shown immense potential of his ability for the years to come. Arch’s $2.8 million valuation comes from a large portion of his roster value along with a hefty $740,000 deal with the card trading company, Panini America.

4) Caitlin Clark – University of Iowa

As one of the most (if not THE most) dominant college basketball players to touch the court, Clark broke several NCAA records in her career as a Hawkeye such as the NCAA DI All-Time leading scorer with 3,667 total points and most 3-point field goals made, averaging 31.8 points per game. Clark’s $3.1 million valuation is packed with her brand deals with Nike, Gainbridge, Gatorade, State Farm, Xfinity, Buick, and more. Clark is expected to expand her brand deals as she heads into the WNBA as the first pick by the Indiana Fever.

3) Livvy Dunne – Louisiana State University

Fueled by her large social media influence across multiple platforms, the LSU gymnast has put her team on the map and established that status recently by a National Championship title in gymnastics. Dunne’s $3.6 million NIL valuation is mix of major brand deals with known companies such as American Eagle Outfitters, Vuori, Too Faced Cosmetics, Grubhub, Motorola, Leaf Trading Cards, Nautica, and more.

2) Shedeur Sanders – University of Colorado

The son of legendary NFL player and now coach, Deion Sanders, Shedeur is making a name for himself alongside the help of his dad. The Buffalo’s quarterback passed for 3,000+ yards his first season at Colorado with a completion rate of 69.3%, giving him an average passer rating of 151.7. Sanders’ $4.7 million NIL value is full of brand deals with many including Urban Outfitters, Oikos, Mercedes-Benz, Actively Black, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre.

1) Bronny James – University of Southern California

Looking to follow his father’s footsteps, the Trojan guard averaged 19.4 minutes in his 25 game appearances after suffering a cardiac arrest emergency early into the season. Now, James is heading to the NBA draft hoping to play alongside his dad, LeBron James, as one of the greatest father-son duos to hit the court. James’ $4.9 million NIL worth is a total of roster valued, but also major brands deals with PSD Underwear, Nike, Android, Beats by Dre, and Klutch Sports Group.

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