Top 20 college football players with highest NIL valuations

As the 2025–26 college football season nears, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era continues to reshape the landscape of college athletics. What once revolved solely around stats and trophies has evolved into a high-stakes marketing game, where branding, influence, and media presence are often just as valuable as on-field performance. Names like Shedeur Sanders, Bronny James, and Livvy Dunne have shown just how powerful a personal brand can be in today’s college sports ecosystem.
Now, with a new academic year on the horizon, a fresh wave of football stars is rising to the top of the NIL charts. From household names with massive social media followings to elite prospects poised for breakout seasons, these athletes are commanding serious value — both on and off the field. Here’s a look at the top 20 college football players with the highest NIL valuations entering the 2025–26 season.
- Texas QB Arch Manning ($6.8 million)
- Miami (Fla.) QB Carson Beck ($4.3 million)
- Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith ($4.2 million)
- LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier ($3.7 million)
- South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers ($3.7 million)
- Florida QB DJ Lagway ($3.7 million)
- Clemson QB Cade Klubnik ($3.4 million)
- Penn State QB Drew Allar ($3.1 million)
- Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt ($3.1 million)
- Michigan QB Bryce Underwood ($3 million)
- Duke QB Darian Mensah ($2.8 million)
- Oklahoma QB John Mateer ($2.7 million)
- Alabama WR Ryan Williams ($2.7 million)
- TCU QB Josh Hoover ($2.4 million)
- Ohio State S Caleb Downs ($2.4 million)
- North Carolina State QB CJ Bailey ($2.3 million)
- Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola ($2.3 million)
- Arkansas QB Taylen Green ($2.1 million)
- UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava ($2 million)
- Auburn QB Jackson Arnold ($2 million)
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