A Look at the Top NIL Earners of 2024 and Their Deals

With an expanded college football playoff setup, record numbers of viewership, significant financial games, and increased fan engagement, the 2024 college football season is unquestionably bigger than ever before, especially when it comes to NIL.

There were many various Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals presented throughout the year, though. This season saw some of the biggest and most unique partnerships than ever before. 

Here is a look at the top earners at the end of this year:

1. Shedeur Sanders – $6.5 million

To no one’s surprise, Colorado quarterback (QB) Shedeur Sanders has taken after his father, Deion Sanders, in terms of personal branding. The 22-year-old is weighing in at a whopping $6.5 million NIL valuation.

It seems like Sanders is landing new deals every week- and each with more prominent brands than the next. This season, he partnered with Nike, Beats by Dre, BRADY, Gatorade, Mercedes-Benz, Google, Under Armour, Oikos, Urban Outfitters, and more. 

He also released his own rap song, line of merchandise, and podcast, all named after his signature catchphrase: “Legendary”

Clearly, Deion has shown him the marketing ropes. 

2. Travis Hunter – $5.7 million

Falling just under Sanders is his go-to receiver, Travis Hunter. The Colorado Buffalo made headlines this year for his ability to play both sides of the ball (wide receiver and cornerback). 

This translated to many opportunities from big-name brands looking to capitalize on Hunter’s increased attention.

This season, Hunter partnered with brands such as Adidas, Celsius, United Airlines, JLab, Squishmallows, and more. Prior to the 2024 season, he also had deals with Michael Strahan Brand, American Eagle, Cheez-It, and 7-Eleven.

Hunter was recently awarded the 2024 Heisman Trophy, so he is likely to garner even more deals by the 2025 NFL Draft.

3. Arch Manning – $5.5 million

Even though he wasn’t the Longhorns starting QB for the majority of the season, Texas’ Arch Manning landed the third-highest college football NIL valuation of the year.

The third-generation Manning has received a considerable amount of attention since the start of his football career. Although he doesn’t share the same large volume of deals that players like Sanders and Hunter have, he has worked with brands like EA Sports and Panini America.

If the current starting QB for Texas, Quinn Ewers decides to declare for the draft this year, there is no doubt that Manning will be securing a considerable amount of deals during next year’s season.

4. Quinn Ewers – $2.8 million

Speaking of Quinn Ewers, the QB has inked an NIL valuation of almost $3 million to finish out 2024. 

The 21-year-old has quite the collection of deals, ranging from streaming services to luxury designers to car dealerships. Just this year, he has inked deals with Hulu, Dr. Pepper, and Nicholas Air, a private flight company.

Throughout his career, though, he boasts deals with 7-Eleven, C4 Energy, HEYDUDE Shoes, Vanguard Volkswagen, Sonic, and Lucchese Bootmaker. 

5. Jalen Milroe – $2.7 million

Finally, right behind Ewers, with a valuation of $2.7 million is Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. 

Although this wasn’t Alabama’s strongest season ever, Milroe still partnered with quite a few brands. 

Like some of the others on this list, he worked with Panini America, Celsius, and Beats by Dre. he also had partnerships with Armani Beauty, Uber Eats, Rhoback, and HEYDUDE Shoes.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.