Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have revolutionized college sports, allowing student-athletes to earn money while still in school. The Sun Belt Conference, known for its competitive spirit, has seen its share of players benefitting significantly from these opportunities.
This article aims to highlight the ten highest paid NIL players in the Sun Belt for 2024, showcasing the growing financial opportunities available to athletes in this conference. As NIL deals become increasingly prevalent, these players stand out not just for their on-field performances, but also for their off-field marketability and business acumen.
The focus will be on the athletes who are capitalizing on their brand, drawing lucrative deals, and setting examples for future college athletes.
Stay tuned to see who made the list and how they are changing the game in the Sun Belt Conference.
1. Grayson McCall – Coastal Carolina
Grayson McCall is a standout quarterback for Coastal Carolina. He has made significant strides on and off the field by securing numerous NIL deals.
McCall’s largest known NIL deal is worth $15,000. His partnership with Darlington Raceway is notable and highlights the reach of his influence.
In 2022, McCall threw for 2,700 passing yards, achieving 24 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He led Coastal Carolina to a first-place finish in the Sun Belt Conference. His impact on the team and his NIL success are both remarkable.
2. Chandler Rogers – ULM
Chandler Rogers made a significant impact as a quarterback for the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). He set career-highs in passing attempts and completions, solidifying his place as a key player.
Rogers was named Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. His impressive performances have earned him recognition and NIL deals.
Learn more about his achievements here.
3. Kyle Vantrease – Georgia Southern
Kyle Vantrease, a quarterback for Georgia Southern, has made a name for himself in the Sun Belt. He transferred from Buffalo and immediately made an impact on the team.
In the 2022 season, Vantrease threw for nearly 4,000 yards. His performance earned him several accolades, including third-team All-Sun Belt and Quarterback of the Year from Pro Football Network.
For more information on his career and statistics, visit his Georgia Southern profile.
4. App. State Linebacker Nick Hampton
Nick Hampton, a standout linebacker for Appalachian State, has made waves in college football. Known for his ability to crash the edge with an impressive mix of power and speed, he set a single-season record for sacks in 2021.
Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft, Hampton’s athletic feats, such as a 365-pound incline press and 39-inch vertical leap, also earned him a spot on The Athletic’s “Freaks List.” His performance continues to draw attention both on and off the field.
Learn more about Nick Hampton on the App. State Athletics website.
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5. Troy Quarterback Gunnar Watson
Gunnar Watson, a senior quarterback for the Troy Trojans, has displayed remarkable performance on the field. In the Sun Belt Conference, he led his team to significant victories, including a memorable 31-13 win over Texas State, where he completed 26-of-40 passes for 392 yards.
Watson’s achievements include being named to the All-Sun Belt Third Team and earning the Sun Belt Football Championship MVP in 2022. These accolades highlight his consistent contribution to Troy’s success.
For more information, see Gunnar Watson’s profile.
6. Devin Neal – Louisiana
Devin Neal, a standout player from Louisiana, has been making headlines with his impressive NIL deals.
As of July 2024, he has attracted significant attention, blending his athletic talents with strong social media presence.
Neal’s latest agreement includes a partnership with Mass St. Collective, boosting his visibility and earnings significantly, as seen on his NIL profile.
7. Old Dominion Quarterback Hayden Wolff
Hayden Wolff has been a key player for Old Dominion. Known for his strong arm and accurate throws, he has made a significant impact on the field.
Wolff completed 26 of 41 passes for 327 yards in one game, which is one of the highest in Old Dominion’s history.
In 2023, he transferred to Western Michigan to continue his football career. His time at Old Dominion has set high expectations for his future performances. For more details, visit ODU Sports.
8. James Madison Tight End Noah Turner
Noah Turner is a standout player for James Madison University. As a tight end, he plays a crucial role in both blocking and receiving. Turner’s skills on the field have earned him significant attention.
In 2023, Turner caught 26 passes for 266 yards and six touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Sun Belt honors. His accomplishments have also made him a highly valued NIL player.
Turner’s marketability has grown alongside his athletic success, making him one of the top earners in the Sun Belt Conference.
9. Marshall Running Back Rasheen Ali
Rasheen Ali, a standout running back for Marshall, has gained significant attention for his performance on the field.
Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he collected 39 career touchdowns while at Marshall.
He is known for his explosiveness and quickness, making him one of the top Sun Belt running backs.
10. Texas State Wide Receiver Javen Banks
Javen Banks plays as a wide receiver for Texas State. He has a respectable college career, earning accolades like being named to the Phil Steele All-Sun Belt Fourth Team.
During his time at Texas State, Banks has been a key player. He is known for his agility and speed on the field. Banks’s skill set makes him a valuable asset to his team.
Banks’s success on the field has also led to recognition in the NIL space. His talent and performance have made him one of the top athletes at Texas State.
Impact of NIL on Sun Belt Athletes
The introduction of NIL regulations has transformed opportunities for Sun Belt athletes. These changes have impacted them in two main areas: financial benefits and brand building.
Financial Benefits
NIL deals offer significant financial gains for Sun Belt athletes. Student-athletes now have various ways to earn money, such as endorsements, social media promotions, and merchandise sales. Previously, these revenues were beyond their reach.
Athletes can now leverage their popularity and unique skills to ink deals with local and national brands. This additional income can help them cover tuition, housing, and other expenses, reducing the financial burden on their families.
For example, players in sports like football and basketball are seeing substantial earnings from NIL deals.
Brand Building
Brand building has become a crucial aspect for Sun Belt athletes in the NIL era. Athletes are increasingly focusing on creating a personal brand that resonates with their audience. This involves managing their social media presence, engaging with fans, and collaborating with brands that align with their values.
By establishing a strong brand, athletes can attract lucrative endorsements and sponsorships.
Notably, leveraging platforms like Instagram and Twitter has proven effective for increasing visibility and fan engagement. They can also launch their own merchandise lines, further solidifying their brand and creating additional income streams.
Common Endorsement Deal Types
Endorsement deals for college athletes usually fall into several key categories. Two common types include social media promotions and sponsorship contracts. Each has its own benefits and methods of engagement.
Social Media Promotions
Social media promotions are a popular type of endorsement deal, especially for athletes with large followings. Companies often pay athletes to post about their products on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
These posts can be simple photo shares, stories, or short videos showcasing the product.
The athlete might use hashtags and tag the brand to increase visibility. Engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares can significantly boost the brand’s reach. Sometimes, athletes also use affiliate links, where they get a commission for sales through their unique links.
Specific goals and audiences can make social media promotions very effective. Brands target follower demographics that align well with their products, increasing chances of successful marketing. For athletes, this form of promotion is convenient and often lucrative.
Sponsorship Contracts
Sponsorship contracts are more traditional and usually more comprehensive. These contracts often require athletes to appear in advertisements, wear branded gear, or attend events.
Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour commonly engage in these deals.
Contracts can include detailed commitments like the number of appearances or exclusive rights to use the athlete’s image.
The compensation for these contracts varies depending on the athlete’s popularity and the scope of the contract.
These deals provide athletes with a steady income stream. They often come with additional benefits, such as free products and exclusive brand partnerships.
For brands, these contracts offer a reliable method of long-term marketing. They often boost brand loyalty and recognition among fans.
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