In June of 2021, the NCAA rolled out an interim policy that would allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness – aka NIL – as their personal brand.
According to college recruitment organization NCSA, “NIL laws vary by state, meaning your state may or may not have its own NIL regulations you must adhere to… Additionally, colleges and universities often have their own unique rules for NIL.”
So in this relatively new territory for college sports, who are the top earners?
And where do they stand compared to Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark?
Here are the top 10:
10. Carson Beck – Georgia Football – $1.5 million
According to ESPN, GA junior and starting quarterback Carson Beck threw for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, including a big victory in the Capital One Orange Bowl against Florida State University.
“Beck, who also has deals with Zero FG Energy Drink and The Players’ Lounge, has an NIL valuation of $1.1 million, per On3, putting him among the Top 20 players in college football,” according to Fan Nation.
His estimated worth thanks to sponsorship deals: $1.5 million
9. Jalen Milroe – Alabama Football – $1.6 million
ESPN reports that the sophomore threw for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns to lead Alabama to a 12-1 record.
Milroe’s most recent deal was signed in March signed with Six Star Pro Nutrition.
He wrote on Instagram, “I don’t want to leave any doubt on whether I’m doing enough to help the team win in 2024. That’s why I’ve teamed up with @sixstarpronutrition to fuel my grind with world-class supplements at an affordable price.”
University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has an estimated NIL Valuation of $1.6 million.
8. Angel Reese – LSU Basketball. – $1.8 million
The LSU forward won SEC Player of the Year and was named to the First Team All-SEC and All-Defensive Team. Reese has the backing of big companies like Goldman Sachs, Topps, Beats by Dre, Tampax, Reebok, Airbnb, ZOA Energy, and Amazon, On3 reported.
According to Business Insider, “LSU junior Angel Reese blew up on social media during last year’s NCAA March Madness tournament, winning the highly anticipated championship game against Caitlin Clark and the University of Iowa and earning the title of most outstanding player despite racist criticisms.”
Her estimated worth is $1.8 million.
7. Quinn Ewers – U Texas Football – $1.9 million
ESPN reported that last season U Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is a sophomore, threw for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading his team to the College Football Playoff Semifinals.
Where his team lost to University of Washington in a close game.
Ewers has NIL deals with companies like HEYDUDE Shoes, C4Energy, EA Sports, Beats by Dre, Panini America, Ryl Tea, and Texas One Fund.
Ewers estimated value is $1.9 million.
6. Travis Hunter – Colorado Football – $2.4 million
University of Colorado’s Travis Hunter “put up impressive stats as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, with 57 receptions for 721 yards as well as 31 total tackles and three interceptions,” ESPN reported.
He has the backing on companies like EA Sports, Leaf Trading Cards, Cheez-It, Celsius, American Eagle Outfitters, and more.
Hunter’s estimated value is $2.4 million.
5. Arch Manning – U Texas Football – $2.8 million
With uncles like Peyton and Eli Manning, this freshman quarterback for Texas University was going to get attention.
“The vast majority ($2.1 million) of Manning’s NIL Valuation comes from his Roster Value, On3 reported, while his NIL Value is listed at $740,000 thanks to a multi-year deal with Panini America, a trading card company,” according to Business Insider.
Manning’s overall estimated value is $2.8 million.
4. Caitlin Clark – Iowa Basketball – $3.1 million
Caitlin Clark has been one of the most talked about players in all of college sports as of late. As a senior point guard for the University of Iowa, she dominated NCAA women’s basketball.
According to ESPN, she recently broke the record for most career points in Division I history.
It’s no surprise she caught the attention of Nike, Gainbridge, Gatorade, State Farm, Xfinity, Buick, and more.
In March she even inked a deal with Gatorade. But, she is not the top earner.
Clark’s estimated value is $3.1 million.
3. Olivia Dunne – LSU Gymnastics – $3.6 million
Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne has 12.6 million social media followers, making her one of the most followed athletes ever.
Don’t think that’s something companies who want to advertise don’t notice.
This is not to underestimate her athletic performance. According to LSU, the LSU Gymnastics Program just won the SEC Championship on March 24, 2024, and Dunne competed on bars, earning a 9.800 for her routine.”
Dunne is sponsored by a variety of brands, including American Eagle Outfitters, Vuori, Too Faced Cosmetics, Grubhub, Motorola, and Leaf Trading Cards.
Dunne’s estimated value is $3.6 million.
2. Shedeur Sanders – Colorado Football – $4.1 million
Like Arch Manning and his lineage, it was inevitable that the football player son of Deion Sanders was going to attract attention.
According to ESPN, the University of Colorado quarterback finished his junior year season 4-8 overall, throwing for over 3,000 yards with a passing completion percentage of 69.3% and a passer rating of 151.7.
Sanders has NIL deals with Urban Outfitters, Oikos, Mercedes-Benz, Actively Black, and Gatorade.
His estimated worth is $4.1 million.
1. Bronny James – USC Basketball – $4.9 million
The son of NBA legend LeBron James is the highest paid college athlete at this point.
According to Business Insider, “The USC freshman point guard made his collegiate debut just months after suffering a cardiac arrest during a July 2023 pre-season training. He finished the season with 25 game appearances, where he played an average of 19.4 minutes per game, ESPN reported.”
“Coming out of high school, James was a five-star recruit with a NIL Valuation of $7.2 million,” per Bleacher Report, “signing deals with PSD Underwear, Nike, Beats by Dre, and Klutch Sports Group for representation, On3 reported.”
Sanders estimated value is $4.9 million.