Top 22 highest-paid college athletes and their earnings
Ever wonder how some college athletes are cashing big? It’s all thanks to the NCAA’s 2021 NIL (name, image, and likeness) policy. Darren Heitner, a top Sports & NIL attorney, shares how these athletes secure multi-million-dollar deals with major brands and collectives. From football to basketball stars, these are the highest-paid college athletes and their earnings.
Source: Original
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Summary list of the highest-paid college athletes
- Top 22 highest-paid college athletes
- 22. Boogie Fland - $2.1 million
- 21. Taylen Green - $2.1 million
- 20. Yaxel Lendeborg - $2.3 million
- 19. Dylan Raiola - $2.3 million
- 18. CJ Bailey - $2.3 million
- 17. Caleb Downs - $2.4 million
- 16. Josh Hoover - $2.4 million
- 15. Ryan Williams - $2.7 million
- 14. John Mateer - $2.7 million
- 13. Darian Mensah - $2.8 million
- 12. JT Toppin - $2.8 million
- 11. Bryce Underwood - $3 million
- 10. Sam Leavitt - $3.1 million
- 9. Drew Allar - $3.1 million
- 8. Cade Klubnik - $3.4 million
- 7. DJ Lagway - $3.7 million
- 6. LaNorris Sellers - $3.7 million
- 5. Garrett Nussmeier - $3.8 million
- 4. AJ Dybantsa - $4.1 million
- 3. Jeremiah Smith - $4.2 million
- 2. Carson Beck - $4.3 million
- 1. Arch Manning - $6.8 million
- NIL game changer: How college athletes are cashing in
- Major brand deals for student athletes
- Which sports are raking in the most NIL money?
- How much do college athletes get paid a month?
- Who is the highest-paid NIL female athlete?
- Who are the highest-paid NIL female college athletes?
- Who pays NIL money?
This article lists the biggest NIL deals, from lowest to highest, based on data from the June 2025 On3NIL ranking.
Key takeaways
- Arch Manning is the highest-paid college athlete with a $6.8 million NIL valuation.
- The NIL bill, passed in July 2021, revolutionized college sports, allowing athletes to earn significant income through sponsorships, endorsements, and social media promotions.
- Top earners secure deals and partnerships from major national brands and financial contributions from collectives.
Summary list of the highest-paid college athletes
| Rank | Name | NIL valuation |
| 1 | Arch Manning | $6.8 million |
| 2 | Carson Beck | $4.3 million |
| 3 | Jeremiah Smith | $4.2 million |
| 4 | AJ Dybantsa | $4.1 million |
| 5 | Garrett Nussmeier | $3.8 million |
| 6 | LaNorris Sellers | $3.7 million |
| 7 | DJ Lagway | $3.7 million |
| 8 | Cade Klubnik | $3.4 million |
| 9 | Drew Allar | $3.1 million |
| 10 | Sam Leavitt | $3.1 million |
| 11 | Bryce Underwood | $3 million |
| 12 | JT Toppin | $2.8 million |
| 13 | Darian Mensah | $2.8 million |
| 14 | John Mateer | $2.7 million |
| 15 | Ryan Williams | $2.7 million |
| 16 | Josh Hoover | $2.4 million |
| 17 | Caleb Downs | $2.4 million |
| 18 | CJ Bailey | $2.3 million |
| 19 | Dylan Raiola | $2.3 million |
| 20 | Yaxel Lendeborg | $2.3 million |
| 21 | Taylen Green | $2.1 million |
| 22 | Boogie Fland | $2.1 million |
Top 22 highest-paid college athletes
College athletes are making a good fortune from their personal brand. They earn through signing autographs, endorsements, and personal appearances.
The payments have produced some of the youngest millionaires. Here is a list of some of the highest-paid college athletes in 2025.
22. Boogie Fland - $2.1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Johnuel "Boogie" Fland
- Date of birth: 10 July 2006
- Place of birth: Bronx, New York, United States
- Current team: Florida Gators men's basketball
Fland is a versatile 6'2" guard, earning McDonald's All-American honors and leading the USA U-17 team to a world championship. A consensus five-star recruit in the class of 2024, he began his college career at Arkansas before transferring to Florida for the 2025-26 season. His NIL value is $2.1 million.
21. Taylen Green - $2.1 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Taylen Green
- Date of birth: 18 October 2002
- Place of birth: Lewisville, Texas, United States
- Current team: Arkansas Razorbacks football
Taylen Green is a 6'6" quarterback (QB) for the Arkansas Razorbacks, after starring at Boise State, where he earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2022. Green's value is $2.1 million.
20. Yaxel Lendeborg - $2.3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Yaxel Okari Lendeborg
- Date of birth: 30 September 2002
- Place of birth: Pennsauken, New Jersey, United States
- Current team: Michigan Wolverines
Yaxel is a 6'9" forward who starred at Arizona Western and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), earning back-to-back AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. He withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft process to join the Michigan Wolverines for the 2025-2026 season. The American-Dominican is valued at $2.3 million.
19. Dylan Raiola - $2.3 million
Source: Twitter
- Full name: Dylan Anthony Raiola
- Date of birth: 9 May 2005
- Place of birth: Buford, Georgia, United States
- Current team: Nebraska Cornhuskers
Dylan is a 6'3" American college football quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, immediately winning the starting role as a true freshman in 2024. He is the son of former NFL center Dominic Raiola, and his NIL valuation is $2.3 million.
18. CJ Bailey - $2.3 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Cedrick "CJ" Bailey
- Date of birth: 10 May 2006
- Place of birth: Miami, Florida, United States
- Current team: North California (NC) State Wolfpack
CJ is a 6'6" quarterback for the NC State Wolfpack, who took over as the starter in 2024. His early success and leadership on the field have already made him a cornerstone of the NC State offense, and he is worth $2.3 million.
17. Caleb Downs - $2.4 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Caleb Downs
- Date of birth: 10 December 2004
- Place of birth: Hoschton, Georgia, United States
- Current team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Caleb is a 6'0" safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes who transferred from Alabama after earning 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year honors. He is a unanimous five-star recruit from Mill Creek High and a consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year for 2024.
He is also from an athletic family: he is the son of a former NFL running back, Gary Downs, and nephew to Pro Bowler Dre Bly. Caleb's valuation is $2.4 million.
16. Josh Hoover - $2.4 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Josh Hoover
- Date of birth: 15 February 2004
- Place of birth: Heath, Texas, United States
- Current team: TCU Horned Frogs
Josh is a 6'2" quarterback for the TCU Horned Frogs, where he emerged as a starter in 2023. He is known for his strong arm, poise, and leadership, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the TCU offense, and his valuation is $2.4 million.
15. Ryan Williams - $2.7 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Ryan Alexander Coleman Williams Jr.
- Date of birth: 9 February 2007
- Place of birth: Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Current team: Alabama Crimson Tide football
Ryan is a 6'0" freshman wide receiver for the University of Alabama. He was named Alabama Getorade Football Player of the Year and Alabama Mr. Football in both his sophomore and junior years, a feat never accomplished before. Ryan's early performances have made him one of college football's rising stars, with a valuation of $2.7 million.
14. John Mateer - $2.7 million
Source: Original
- Full name: John Mateer
- Date of birth: 28 April 2004
- Place of birth: Little Elm, Texas, United States
- Current team: Oklahoma Sooners
Mateer is a 6'1" quarterback who starred at Washington State Cougars before transferring to the Oklahoma Sooners for the 2025 season. A redshirt sophomore team captain and Manning Award finalist, Mateer broke multiple Cougars records for quarterback rushing. He was named the Pac-12's offensive top performer for the 2024 season. His NIL valuation is $2.7 million.
13. Darian Mensah - $2.8 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Darian Mensah
- Date of birth: 25 January 2005
- Place of birth: San Luis Obispo, California, United States
- Current team: Duke Blue Devils
Darian is a 6'3" quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils, after beginning his college career at Tulane. In 2024, he earned a 65.9% completion rate as a redshirt freshman starter at Tulane. Darian also ranks among the highest NIL earners in college football, estimated at $2.8 million.
12. JT Toppin - $2.8 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Jadyn "JT" Toppin
- Date of birth: 14 June 2005
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
- Current team: Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball
Toppin is a 6'9" power forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, after a standout freshman season at New Mexico Lobos, where he earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year. In the 2024-25 season, he led the Big 12 in double-doubles and was named consensus All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year.
Toppin helped lead the Texas Tech Red Raiders to the NCAA Elite Eight and has solidified his status as one of college basketball's top talents with a NIL valuation worth $2.8 million.
11. Bryce Underwood - $3 million
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Bryce Jay Underwood
- Date of birth: 25 February 2007
- Place of birth: Belleville, Michigan, United States
- Current team: Michigan Wolverines football
Bryce is a 6'3" quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines and one of the most "highly-touted" college football prospects in recent years. Before Michigan, he led his team, Belleville High, to multiple state championships and earned Gatorade National Player of the Year honors. The young star is valued at $3 million.
10. Sam Leavitt - $3.1 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Sam Arthur Leavitt
- Date of birth: 20 December 2004
- Place of birth: Portland, Oregon, United States
- Current team: Arizona State Sun Devils
Sam is a 6'2" quarterback for the Arizona State Sun Devils, having transferred from Michigan State. He was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024/ His brother, Dallin Leavitt, is currently a safety in the NFL. Sam has an NIL valuation of $3.1 million.
9. Drew Allar - $3.1 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Drew Patrick Allar
- Date of birth: 8 March 2004
- Place of birth: Medina, Ohio, United States
Drew is a 6'5" quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions. His father, Kevin Allar, played tight end at Eastern Michigan, and his mother, Dawn, was a standout student athlete at Akron. Drew is one of college football's premier quarterbacks with a valuation of $3.1 million.
8. Cade Klubnik - $3.4 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Cade Klubnik
- Date of birth: 10 October 2003
- Place of birth: Austin, Texas, United States
- Current team: Clemson Tigers
Cade is a 6'2" quarterback for the Clemson Tigers. A former five-star recruit and the top-ranked QB in the 2022 class, he led Westlake High School to three straight state championships before enrolling at Clemson. His valuation is $3.4 million.
7. DJ Lagway - $3.7 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Derek "DJ" Lagwey
- Date of birth: 13 August 2005
- Place of birth: Willis, Texas, United States
- Current team: Florida Gators
Lagway is a 6'3" QB for the Florida Gators. He is a former five-star recruit and earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024. His dad, Derek Sr., played college football at Baylor. Lagway's valuation is $3.7 million.
6. LaNorris Sellers - $3.7 million
Source: Original
- Full name: LaNorris Jewel Sellers
- Date of birth: 23 June 2005
- Place of birth: Florence, South Carolina, United States
- Current team: South Carolina Gamecocks
LaNorris is a 6'3" QB for the South Carolina Gamecocks. In 2024, he earned SEC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American honors. Also, he became the first freshman in program history to be named team captain. LaNorris' valuation is $3.7 million.
5. Garrett Nussmeier - $3.8 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Garrett Douglas Nussmeier
- Date of birth: 7 February 2002
- Place of birth: Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
- Current team: LSU Tigers
Garrett is a 6'2" QB for the LSU Tigers. He earned the Texas Bowl MVP honors in 2024. His father, Doug Nussmeier, is a former NFL quarterback and current offensive coordinator. Garrent's current valuation (as at June 2025) is $3.8 million.
4. AJ Dybantsa - $4.1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr.
- Date of birth: 29 January 2007
- Place of birth: Brockton, Massachusetts, United States
- Current team: BYU Cougars men's basketball
AJ Dybantsa is a 6'9" small forward for Utah Prep Academy. He is rated as the number one player in the 2025 class after reclassifying from the 2026 class, and committed to BYU in December 2024. He led the Nike Peach Jam in scoring and helped Team USA win gold at the FIBA U-16 Americas Championship in 2023. AJ Dybantsa's valuation is $4.1 million.
3. Jeremiah Smith - $4.2 million
Source: Original
- Full name: Jeremiah Smith
- Date of birth: 29 November 2005
- Place of birth: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
- Current team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Jeremiah is a 6'3" wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. As a freshman in 2024, he shattered Ohio State University (OSU) freshman receiving records, helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship and earning First-Team All-American honors. Jeremiah Smith's NIL valuation is $4.2 million.
2. Carson Beck - $4.3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Carson Raine Beck
- Date of birth: 19 November 2002
- Place of birth: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
- Current team: Miami Hurricanes
Carson Beck is a college football quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes, formerly a two-year starter at the Georgia Bulldogs. While in Georgia, he helped win back-to-back national titles. He is the second-highest-paid NIL college athlete, with a valuation of $4.3 million.
1. Arch Manning - $6.8 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Archibald "Arch" Charles Manning IV
- Date of birth: 27 April 2004
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Current team: Texas Longhorns football
Arch Manning is the highest-paid college player. He is one of the most highly anticipated college talents from college football's premier family. His lineage includes two-time Heisman Trophy winner Peyton Manning, NFL quarterback Eli Manning, and College Football Hall of Famer Cooper Manning, cementing his place in football royalty. His valuation is $6.8 million.
NIL game changer: How college athletes are cashing in
Darren Heitner, a top Sports and NIL Attorney, explained in an interview how the introduction of NIL rules has transformed the earning potential of college athletes across different sports. He said the NIL enables athletes to monetize their personal brands through the following:
- Sponsorships: Companies pay them to promote products
- Endorsements: Athletes becoming the face of a brand
- Social media promotions: Getting paid for posts and shout-outs to their large online followers.
This shift has been most impactful for athletes in revenue-generating sports like football and men's basketball, where high visibility and large fan bases translate into lucrative deals. For example, recently, some top men's basketball players have secured deals worth more than $3 million annually.
The benefits are not uniform across all sports. Athletes in non-revenue sports, such as women's basketball, track and field, and soccer, can also earn significant amounts if they have strong personal brands or national recognition. For instance, athletes like Caitlin Clark, Olivia Dunne, and the Cavinder Twins have secured high-value NIL deals due to their social media presence and achievements.
Major brand deals for student athletes
When it comes to big paychecks, certain brand deals and partnerships tend to be the most lucrative. According to Heitner, “the largest NIL paychecks stem from partnerships with major national brands. These deals often involve advertising campaigns, product endorsements, and social media promotions, leveraging the athlete's influence and reach.” Some of these brands can include:
- Apparel companies: Sneakers, sportswear, or athletic gear such as Adidas, Nike, or Puma.
- Sports drink brands: To keep athletes hydrated and perform well, such as Gatorade, Prime, or Red Bull.
- Automotive companies: Like Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, or Bentley Continental.
- Technology firms: From gadgets to apps such as EA Sports or Nintendo.
Heitner also highlights another key player in this financial game – “the role of collectives”. He explains:
(They) pool resources from donors or boosters to pay athletes for their NIL, particularly at power conference schools, have contributed to tons of money pouring toward athletes, particularly for athletes in football and basketball.
Which sports are raking in the most NIL money?
Heitner said athletes in football and men’s basketball dominate the NIL space. He explains:
(This) is due to the revenue-generating nature of these sports and their large fan bases. These sports attract significant media attention and commercial interest, making their athletes more attractive to sponsors and brands.
Within these sports, certain positions, such as quarterbacks in football or point guards in basketball, are particularly marketable due to their visibility and leadership roles. Factors like the athlete's social media following, performance (e.g., All-American status, national championships), and the location of their university, such as schools in major media markets or with strong alumni networks, can also play a role.
How much do college athletes get paid a month?
College athletes' monthly earnings vary widely depending on their sport, school, level of competition, and individual marketability. Some earn $10,000 to $100,000+ monthly through NIL deals.
Who is the highest-paid NIL female athlete?
The highest-paid female college athlete through NIL deals is Flau'jae Johnson (basketball), who plays as a guard for the LSU Tigers, and has become a top earner with an estimated earnings of $1.5 million.
Who are the highest-paid NIL female college athletes?
The highest-paid female college athletes in the NIL space currently include Flau'jae Johnson ($1.5 million), Kai Trump ($1.1 million), Nijaree Canady ($600,000), Aaliyah Chavez (Undisclosed), and Juju Watkins ($576,000).
Who pays NIL money?
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money in college football can come from various sources. Companies can sponsor athletes for endorsements, appearances, or social media promotions. Wealthy individuals may directly sponsor athletes or contribute to collectives.
The above are among the highest-paid college athletes as of June 2025. Thanks to the 2021 bill, college athletes can now profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The bill has empowered talented college athletes by allowing them to earn from their talents.
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Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
Naomi Karina (Lifestyle writer) Naomi Karina has been a digital content writer for more than two years. She joined the Legit team in August 2022. She graduated Bachelor of Commerce from KCA University in 2012. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resources from the IHRM and a Diploma in Marketing from Kenyatta University. She is a content creator who enjoys writing about various topics such as biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Naomi finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She expanded her skills in 2024 by undertaking the Google News Initiative course.
