Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have significantly changed the landscape of college athletics. These agreements allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements, social media, and other ventures.
The Mountain West Conference has seen a surge in top-tier athletes securing lucrative NIL deals, highlighting the financial potential for these players.
The article will explore the highest-paid NIL players in the Mountain West for 2024. By examining their deals, readers will gain insight into the financial opportunities available for college athletes today.
1. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty is a junior running back for Boise State. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 215 pounds, he has made a significant impact on the team.
In 2023, he was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year. This recognition came after he led the NCAA with an impressive 159.67 yards from scrimmage per game.
Jeanty is also one of the highest-paid NIL players in the Mountain West. His NIL valuation is estimated at $535,000. His performance on the field and his marketability contribute to his high NIL earnings.
2. San Diego State’s Jalen Mayden
Jalen Mayden is a standout quarterback for San Diego State. He has earned praise for his performance in key games.
For example, against San José State, he threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns, which earned him the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week honor.
Mayden has been essential to SDSU’s success. During the 2021 season, he completed five out of six passing attempts for 50 yards and a touchdown. His athletic background includes being named the District 10-6A Offensive MVP.
3. Fresno State’s Erik Brooks
Erik Brooks is a standout wide receiver for Fresno State. As a senior in 2023, he led the team with 60 catches for 788 yards. He also scored five touchdowns.
In addition to his receiving skills, Brooks was the primary punt returner for the Bulldogs, with 19 returns totaling 174 yards.
Brooks’ performance on the field has made him one of the top NIL players at Fresno State. His influence and achievements have boosted his NIL valuation, making him a key player to watch in the Mountain West conference.
4. Wyoming’s John Hoyland
John Hoyland, a place-kicker for the Wyoming Cowboys, has made significant strides in his college football career. He ranked No. 5 in the Mountain West in points responsible for, averaging 9.2 points per game.
Hoyland led his team in scoring, with 55 points. He was named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week multiple times, showcasing his consistency and skill.
One of his most notable achievements includes making a 56-yard field goal, which is tied for the third-longest kick in Mountain West history.
5. UNLV’s Doug Brumfield
Doug Brumfield plays quarterback for the UNLV Rebels. He earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West in 2022. This recognition came after he started 10 games that season.
Brumfield’s performance has made him a key player for UNLV. He has solid passing and rushing stats, which contribute to his value.
Brumfield is now the top QB for UNLV. His influence on the team and in the conference continues to grow.
6. Utah State’s Cooper Legas
Cooper Legas, the quarterback for Utah State, has made a name for himself in the Mountain West. He has been recognized for his skills and dedication, earning several academic honors as well.
Legas was a three-star rated recruit and chose Utah State over other schools. His performance on the field, with a passing completion rate of .626, reflects his hard work and talent.
Legas is also notable for his NIL valuation, making him one of the highest-paid players in the conference.
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7. Colorado State’s Tory Horton
Tory Horton, a standout wide receiver, remains a key player for Colorado State. Despite multiple lucrative offers from major Power Four programs and potential NFL opportunities, Horton chose to stay for his final collegiate year.
His NIL deal is valued at a substantial $456,000, a reflection of his top-notch performance.
Additionally, Horton is rated as one of the top 100 players in EA Sports College Football 25, showcasing his talent on a national level.
8. Nevada’s Toa Taua
Toa Taua has made a name for himself in the Mountain West. As a four-year starter for the Nevada Wolf Pack, he has rushed for nearly 4,000 yards.
Taua signed a rookie camp deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing his talent. He was also a two-time All-Mountain West selection and named Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2018.
9. San Jose State’s Chevan Cordeiro
Chevan Cordeiro is a standout quarterback for San Jose State. He has broken multiple records, making him a key player in the Mountain West conference.
Cordeiro started his college football career at the University of Hawaii before transferring to San Jose State. His performance has made him one of the top players in his league.
Cordeiro’s skill set includes excellent mobility and a strong ability to make downfield throws. He has been named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week multiple times, further solidifying his reputation.
10. New Mexico’s Dylan Hopkins
Dylan Hopkins is a quarterback for the University of New Mexico Lobos. He previously lettered for three years and redshirted one at UAB.
Throughout his college career, Hopkins has shown strong performance. He played in 32 games, completing 318-of-508 passes for 4,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
Hopkins’ experience and performance make him one of the top NIL earners in the Mountain West.
Understanding NIL Agreements
NIL agreements allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. These agreements have transformed college sports by enabling athletes to earn substantial income while still in school.
What Are NIL Agreements?
NIL agreements enable college athletes to earn money by leveraging their personal brand. These contracts allow players to endorse products, appear in advertisements, and promote businesses on social media.
Athletes sign NIL agreements with companies, organizations, or individuals willing to pay for their endorsement or promotional activities. The money earned can vary significantly, depending on the athlete’s popularity and performance. Some deals can reach six or seven figures.
The terms and conditions of these contracts can be complex, often involving legal language and detailed obligations for the athlete.
Impact of NIL on Collegiate Sports
The introduction of NIL agreements has significantly impacted collegiate sports. Athletes can now earn significant income, which helps them financially while attending college. This change offers a more balanced experience compared to non-athlete students.
Universities and athletic programs have also been affected. They need to ensure that the athletes understand their rights and obligations under these agreements.
Some schools provide resources, such as legal advice and financial planning, to help athletes manage their earnings and obligations.
NIL deals can influence recruiting as well. Top high school athletes might choose schools with better NIL opportunities. This shift could impact competitive balance, with some schools potentially offering more attractive NIL prospects than others.
Factors Influencing NIL Compensation
Several factors play a significant role in determining how much a college athlete can earn from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. These include athletic performance, social media presence, and marketability.
Athletic Performance
Athletic performance is a key factor in NIL compensation. Players who excel in their respective sports often attract bigger and more lucrative deals.
High-profile athletes, such as star quarterbacks or record-breaking scorers, draw more attention from brands looking to capitalize on their success.
Athletic success includes winning championships, setting records, and receiving awards. These achievements make athletes more appealing to sponsors. Brands are keen on associating with winners, making performance a primary driver for high NIL earnings.
Social Media Presence
An athlete’s social media presence greatly impacts their NIL value.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter allow athletes to build large followings. The more followers an athlete has, the more valuable they become to potential sponsors.
Influencers with hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers can command higher payments for promoting products.
Engagement also matters. Athletes who actively interact with followers create a loyal and engaged audience. High engagement rates make their profiles attractive to brands, increasing their NIL compensation potential.
Marketability
Marketability encompasses various aspects that make an athlete appealing to brands. This includes how relatable or inspiring they are to the audience.
Unique personal stories, charisma, and community involvement can enhance an athlete’s marketability.
Additionally, endorsements from popular brands can bolster an athlete’s market value. Being featured in high-profile sponsorships and advertisements can make athletes household names, further increasing their NIL earnings.
Brand alignment also plays a role; athletes whose values and image align with certain brands are more likely to secure beneficial deals.
Economic Impact on the Mountain West Conference
The influence of NIL deals has transformed the Mountain West Conference, leading to increased revenue for schools, stronger engagement with local businesses, and presenting both challenges and opportunities for institutions and athletes.
Increased Revenue for Schools
NIL deals have allowed for a significant boost in revenue across Mountain West schools.
For example, increased social media engagement and sponsorships have led to higher visibility and profitability for athletes and their respective institutions.
Some athletes have struck high-value deals, which in turn attracts more attention to their schools. This uptick in revenue can help fund scholarships, facility upgrades, and other necessary improvements.
The additional funds can help bridge the gap between the Mountain West and larger conferences. Certain programs, like Air Force, already show substantial revenue increases. This growth can contribute to stronger athletic programs and better recruiting opportunities.
Local Business Engagement
Local businesses have seen a surge in opportunities to collaborate with athletes. These deals can range from promotional events and endorsements to joint marketing campaigns.
This partnership benefits both the athletes and the local economy, creating a symbiotic relationship that bolsters community support for the schools.
Businesses gain more exposure thanks to the athletes’ popularity. This engagement helps foster a stronger local economy as fans are more likely to support businesses that collaborate with their favorite athletes.
Additionally, partnerships with businesses such as Skims and American Eagle show the growing national and regional interest in these athletes.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the financial benefits, the Mountain West faces challenges in balancing the effects of NIL on equity among athletes and schools.
Not every athlete or school can secure high-value deals, which may cause disparities.
The Conference needs to establish guidelines and support systems to ensure fair opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their sport or marketability.
However, there are ample opportunities for growth.
Schools can leverage successful NIL stories to attract new talent, increase fan engagement, and secure additional funding from alumni and sponsors.
By addressing these challenges proactively, the Mountain West can turn potential drawbacks into catalysts for further development and success.
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