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. 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 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 Full name: Johnuel "Boogie" FlandDate of birth: 10 July 2006Place of birth: Bronx, New York, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Taylen GreenDate of birth: 18 October 2002Place of birth: Lewisville, Texas, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Yaxel Okari Lendeborg Date of birth: 30 September 2002Place of birth: Pennsauken, New Jersey, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Dylan Anthony RaiolaDate of birth: 9 May 2005Place of birth: Buford, Georgia, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Cedrick "CJ" BaileyDate of birth: 10 May 2006Place of birth: Miami, Florida, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Caleb DownsDate of birth: 10 December 2004Place of birth: Hoschton, Georgia, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Josh HooverDate of birth: 15 February 2004Place of birth: Heath, Texas, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Ryan Alexander Coleman Williams Jr. Date of birth: 9 February 2007Place of birth: Mobile, Alabama, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: John MateerDate of birth: 28 April 2004Place of birth: Little Elm, Texas, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Darian MensahDate of birth: 25 January 2005Place of birth: San Luis Obispo, California, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Jadyn "JT" ToppinDate of birth: 14 June 2005Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Bryce Jay Underwood Date of birth: 25 February 2007Place of birth: Belleville, Michigan, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Sam Arthur LeavittDate of birth: 20 December 2004Place of birth: Portland, Oregon, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Drew Patrick AllarDate of birth: 8 March 2004Place 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 Full name: Cade KlubnikDate of birth: 10 October 2003Place of birth: Austin, Texas, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Derek "DJ" LagweyDate of birth: 13 August 2005Place of birth: Willis, Texas, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: LaNorris Jewel Sellers Date of birth: 23 June 2005Place of birth: Florence, South Carolina, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Garrett Douglas NussmeierDate of birth: 7 February 2002Place of birth: Lake Charles, Louisiana, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr.Date of birth: 29 January 2007Place of birth: Brockton, Massachusetts, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Jeremiah SmithDate of birth: 29 November 2005Place of birth: Miami Gardens, Florida, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Carson Raine BeckDate of birth: 19 November 2002Place of birth: Jacksonville, Florida, United StatesCurrent 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 Full name: Archibald "Arch" Charles Manning IVDate of birth: 27 April 2004Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United StatesCurrent 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 productsEndorsements: Athletes becoming the face of a brandSocial 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. Legit.ng published an article about the fastest soccer player. Football is a game that requires talent and speed. Players have to be physically fit and able to outrun their opponents on the field. Football is a popular sport attracting players and spectators from around the world. The best footballers in the world are athletic and fast. Their speed has assisted them during counterattacks and defence, translating into more goals, which is the objective of every team. Who is the fastest soccer player? Source: Legit.ng