Earning significant sums from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has become a common trend among top college athletes.
In 2024, offensive tackles in college football have emerged as some of the highest-paid athletes, thanks to their exceptional performance on the field and marketability off the field.
This article highlights the top 10 highest paid offensive tackles through NIL deals for the 2024 season.
These offensive tackles are not only key players for their teams but also major earners through their lucrative endorsements and partnerships.
With an impressive combination of athletic skills and market appeal, they have secured deals that significantly boost their earnings, reflecting their growing influence in the college sports landscape.
This list showcases the financial impact of NIL deals on these athletes and provides insight into their rising prominence.
1. Paris Johnson Jr.
Paris Johnson Jr. is recognized as one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in college football for the 2024 season.
He began his football journey at St. Xavier High School before transferring to Princeton High School.
Johnson then went on to play for Ohio State University, where he made a significant impact.
Johnson’s impressive performance on the field has attracted substantial NIL deals, making him a top earner among NCAAF offensive tackles.
His marketability and talent have placed him at the forefront of college athletes benefiting from NIL opportunities.
2. Darnell Wright
Darnell Wright has been making waves in college football, showcasing his talent on the offensive line.
He plays as a tackle for the University of Tennessee. In recent seasons, his performance has caught the attention of many scouts.
Under the guidance of Coach Glen Elarbee, Wright has demonstrated significant improvement.
His hard work earned him a notable position in NIL deals, reflecting his value both on and off the field.
Wright’s success story is a testament to his dedication and skill, making him one of the top-paid college players in 2024 through NIL agreements.
More details about his financials can be read here.
3. Peter Skoronski
Peter Skoronski, an offensive tackle for Northwestern, has made significant earnings through NIL deals in the 2024 season.
Known for his stellar performance on the field, he has attracted multiple sponsorships.
Skoronski’s NIL deals have placed him among the highest-paid players in college football.
His strong brand and presence on social media have made him a valuable partner for various companies.
His earnings reflect his talent and marketability, making him a notable figure in the landscape of college sports.
For more details, check out this profile on Peter Skoronski.
4. Broderick Jones
Broderick Jones plays as an offensive tackle for the University of Georgia. He has earned significant attention for his performance on the field.
Due to his impressive skills, Jones has secured substantial NIL deals.
Jones finished the 2023 season with a strong Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, tying for the highest among rookie offensive tackles in the NFL highest-graded rookie tackle. These deals have greatly boosted his earnings for 2024.
5. Anton Harrison
Anton Harrison made a significant impact as the starting left tackle for the Oklahoma Sooners.
In 2023, he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL Draft. Despite this, Harrison is notably remembered for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field during his college career.
He earned a top ranking among offensive tackles, reflecting his value and performance.
His involvement in NCAAF through NIL deals bolstered his financial standing significantly.
His legacy continues to inspire future prospects in college football. For more financial insights, visit College Net Worth.
6. Dawand Jones
Dawand Jones, a standout offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, had a notable college career at Ohio State.
Known for his impressive size and blocking skills, he was selected by the Browns in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His journey from college to the professional league has inspired many.
His commitment to the game grew significantly during his time at Ohio State.
Jones’s ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes made him a key player on the team. This led to his selection as one of the highest-paid offensive tackles.
Learn more about Dawand Jones’s journey here.
7. Blake Freeland
Blake Freeland, a standout offensive tackle, is making waves in college football with his impressive NIL deals.
Freeland currently plays for BYU and has caught the attention of many due to his athletic abilities.
At 6’8″ and 302 pounds, Freeland’s physical presence is hard to miss.
His success on the field has translated into lucrative endorsements, making him one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NCAAF.
For more details on Blake Freeland’s deals, visit College Net Worth.
8. Cody Mauch
Cody Mauch is a standout offensive tackle from North Dakota State University.
Born on January 15, 1999, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Mauch has made a name for himself with his impressive skills on the field.
Mauch’s journey is remarkable. He began as a walk-on at NDSU and worked his way up to becoming a key player. During his time at NDSU, the team won several FCS national titles.
His NIL deal for the 2024 season reflects his value as a top-tier player. His earnings are among the highest for offensive tackles in college football.
Learn more about his achievements on collegenetworth.com.
9. Jaelyn Duncan
Jaelyn Duncan is a highly regarded offensive tackle who has garnered significant attention.
Although he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2023, his college career at Maryland showcased his skills and potential.
During his time at Maryland, Duncan stood out with his ability to handle speed rushers and protect the quarterback.
His quick feet and patient hands made him a reliable left tackle.
For more details, refer to the profile on Pro Football Network.
10. Tyler Steen
Tyler Steen plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide and has secured a significant NIL deal for the 2024 season.
Steen is an offensive tackle known for his strength and skills on the field.
His performance has caught the attention of major brands, contributing to his high NIL earnings.
For more details, visit the Top 10 NIL Deals in 2024 list.
NIL Deals in College Football
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals have changed college football, providing financial opportunities for players and altering the landscape of college athletics. These agreements have significant implications for players and the sport.
Understanding NIL Contracts
NIL contracts allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements, sponsorships, and social media promotions.
Players sign deals with brands, influencers, and businesses. These contracts vary widely.
Top athletes can secure high-value deals, sometimes worth millions.
NIL deals often include participation in marketing campaigns, appearances, and social media promotion.
Unlike professional contracts, NIL deals do not include playing stipulations or performance requirements.
The main goal for brands is to leverage the athlete’s popularity and social media presence.
Impact on Player Performance
NIL deals offer financial stability, enabling athletes to focus on their game without financial stress.
Some worry about potential distractions from academics and athletics, but many players manage to balance their commitments effectively.
Financial incentives can motivate players to perform better on the field, as success can lead to more lucrative deals.
The support from NIL earnings can also improve overall well-being, positively impacting performance.
Concerns exist about unequal distribution of deals, where only star players benefit significantly.
Comparison with Professional Contracts
NIL contracts differ from professional contracts in several ways.
Professional contracts often bind players to performance requirements, team commitments, and longer terms.
NIL deals are more flexible, focusing on short-term marketing engagements and social media influence.
Athletes maintain their amateur status while earning from their personal brand.
Professional contracts include salaries and performance bonuses, whereas NIL contracts rely solely on endorsement deals.
NIL contracts provide college athletes with a taste of the financial benefits of professional sports without full commitment.
Analysis of 2024 NIL Trends
In the 2024 season, NIL deals for college football offensive tackles saw considerable growth. This section examines major trends, focusing on the increase in deals and their monetary values.
Growth in Offensive Tackle Deals
The increase in NIL deals for offensive tackles in 2024 highlights their growing importance on the field.
More brands are recognizing the value of offensive linemen, signing them to substantial deals.
Deals for offensive tackles like Joe Alt, who plays for Notre Dame, emphasize the trend.
They often include endorsements from sports equipment companies and performance gear brands.
This rise in deals signifies a broader acceptance of the importance of offensive linemen, showcasing their significant on-field contributions.
Monetary Breakdown
The monetary aspects of NIL deals for offensive tackles vary widely.
Joe Alt, for example, secured deals worth millions, placing him among the top earners in college football.
Endorsements typically range from $50,000 to over $1 million annually, depending on the player’s prominence and the brand’s market strategy.
Most top-paid offensive tackles have deals with major brands.
These partnerships often include incentives based on performance, increasing the potential earnings significantly.
Brands are willing to invest heavily in these deals due to the players’ increasing visibility and impact on the game, reflecting a shift in how value is assigned within college sports.