Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have significantly impacted college football, offering athletes lucrative opportunities to profit from their personal brands.
With the rise of NIL deals, many college quarterbacks are now among the highest earners in the sport. This shift has added a new dimension to college football, where players not only compete on the field but also in the marketplace.
Who are the top earning quarterbacks in college football through NIL deals for the 2024 season? This article explores the top 10 quarterbacks making the most from their NIL deals.
By understanding their earnings, one can get a clearer picture of the value these athletes bring to both their teams and sponsors.
1. Caleb Williams – USC
Caleb Williams, the standout quarterback for USC, is one of the top earners through NIL deals in the 2024 NCAA football season.
Known for his exceptional skills on the field and his Heisman Trophy win, Caleb has secured several lucrative endorsements.
Williams has an annual valuation of about $2.7 million, with deals including significant contracts like his season-long partnership with United Airlines.
His endorsements and roster value make him a prominent player in college football finances.
Despite his impressive earnings, he is not the highest-paid college quarterback, with that title going to another player.
2. Drake Maye – UNC
Drake Maye is the starting quarterback for the University of North Carolina. He has gained significant attention for his performance on the field and his financial success through NIL deals.
Maye’s annual NIL valuation is around $1.5 million. This high valuation reflects his popularity and skill level.
He ranks highly in college football NIL rankings and has a significant following on social media.
Additional information about Maye’s valuation and deals can be found on College Net Worth.
His earnings make him one of the most notable college quarterbacks this season.
3. Quinn Ewers – Texas
Quinn Ewers is making significant waves as one of the highest-paid college quarterbacks in 2024.
He currently holds a substantial NIL value, reportedly at $675,000. His notable deals include partnerships with EA Sports and Nicholas Air.
Ewers began his journey at Texas, being a highly sought-after recruit. His influence extends beyond the field, making him a valuable asset in the world of college football.
For detailed information, you can visit his NIL valuation breakdown.
4. Jordan Travis – Florida State
Jordan Travis is a standout quarterback for Florida State University. As an experienced player, he has led the Seminoles to significant success on the field. His performance has also boosted his value in the NIL market.
Travis boasts an annual NIL valuation of $1.2 million. He is one of the top-earning college athletes, reflecting his influence and popularity.
His social media presence, with 124,000 followers across various platforms, further enhances his marketability.
For more on Jordan Travis’s NIL deals, visit Boardroom.
5. J.J. McCarthy – Michigan
J.J. McCarthy plays quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines. He is well-known for his talent on the field and his leadership skills.
McCarthy’s strong performance has earned him significant attention and valuation in the NIL market.
As of 2024, McCarthy’s NIL valuation stands at $1.5 million.
His social media presence also contributes to his high valuation, with a large following on Instagram and TikTok.
You can learn more about his NIL deals and earnings.
McCarthy continues to lead Michigan in the upcoming season, making him one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
6. Michael Penix Jr. – Washington
Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback for the Washington Huskies, is one of the top earners in college football through NIL deals.
His estimated NIL value reaches about $1.3 million, putting him among the highest paid players.
Penix has partnered with major brands like Beats by Dre, Simple Seattle, and Panini America. With 43,000 followers on social media, Penix’s marketability continues to rise.
More details on Michael Penix Jr.’s NIL value can be found here.
7. Bo Nix – Oregon
Bo Nix is one of the top quarterbacks in college football for the 2024 season. He plays for the University of Oregon, where he has shown remarkable skills on the field.
Nix’s NIL deals reflect his talent and popularity. His annual value is estimated to be around $1.7 million.
With nearly 191K followers on social media, his influence extends beyond just the game.
Nix decided to return for a final season at Oregon rather than enter the NFL Draft. This move has made him a significant player to watch this year.
More details about his earnings can be found on College Net Worth.
8. Jaxson Dart – Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart, the starting quarterback for Ole Miss, has become one of the top athletes in college football.
Known for his impressive performance on the field, Dart threw for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions last season.
Despite being left off the 2024 Preseason All-SEC Teams, Dart still holds the No. 1 spot on the SEC quarterback rankings by Brad Crawford. His name is often mentioned among the leading players in NIL deals.
According to College Net Worth, Dart’s marketability and strong social media presence have significantly boosted his NIL earnings.
His deals include endorsements with several major brands, amplifying his financial success off the field.
9. Jayden Daniels – LSU
Jayden Daniels, a standout quarterback for the LSU Tigers, has made significant strides both on and off the field.
His strong performance has secured him substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Daniels’ NIL valuation is noteworthy, with an annual value of $625,000, and a roster value of $1.6 million according to Sportskeeda. This places his total estimated NIL earnings around $2.2 million.
In addition to his financial success, Daniels also won the 2023 Heisman Trophy, adding to his impressive college football resume.
10. Tyler Van Dyke – Miami
Tyler Van Dyke is the starting quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes.
He has made a significant impact on the field, showcasing impressive statistics. This season, he has a 76% completion rate and 822 passing yards, putting him at the top of the ACC.
His performance has drawn attention from sponsors, leading to valuable NIL deals.
Van Dyke’s reputation as a consistent and skilled player makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks through these deals.
His efforts not only contribute to his team’s success but also boost his personal brand.
Impact of NIL Deals on College Football
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have significantly changed college football. These deals influence how players choose schools and how schools handle compliance and regulation issues.
Changes in Recruitment Dynamics
NIL deals have become a crucial factor in college recruitment.
Players now consider potential earnings from endorsements when selecting a school. This shift means schools located in larger markets or with established brands can offer more lucrative NIL opportunities.
For instance, a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, who has secured several substantial NIL deals, demonstrates how these opportunities can influence decisions.
Schools need to highlight their ability to facilitate such deals to attract top talent.
Compliance and Regulation Challenges
With the rise of NIL deals, schools must navigate new compliance and regulation challenges.
The NCAA has set some guidelines, but gaps exist, creating a patchwork of rules across states and institutions.
Institutions need to ensure they don’t violate NCAA rules or state laws. This complexity can lead to legal issues and penalties.
Additionally, schools must educate athletes on permissible activities and the reporting processes for their NIL deals. This education is crucial to prevent inadvertent violations and maintain the integrity of their programs.
Financial Breakdown of NIL Deals
NIL deals enable college football quarterbacks to earn significant income through various revenue streams and endorsements. This section highlights the main ways athletes generate revenue and the typical categories of their endorsements.
Revenue Streams for Athletes
College quarterbacks gain income from various sources under NIL deals.
One key revenue stream is direct payment for promoting brands on social media platforms. Examples include Instagram and TikTok, where athletes leverage their large following to earn money.
Another revenue source is merchandise sales, where players sell jerseys, autographs, and personalized items.
These products often carry the player’s name or likeness, and the athlete earns a cut of each sale.
Appearance fees also contribute. Athletes get paid for attending events, such as promotional appearances, meet-and-greets, or speaking engagements. This direct interaction with fans and sponsors can be very lucrative.
Endorsement Categories
Endorsement deals for college quarterbacks usually fall into several broad categories.
Sportswear and equipment brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour frequently sign athletes to promote their gear. Equipment like cleats, gloves, and helmets are common products featured.
Food and beverage companies are another major category. Brands such as Gatorade and PepsiCo often partner with high-profile players to feature them in ads and campaigns. Schools and stadiums frequently display these endorsements.
Electronics is a growing category, with players often endorsing tech products like gaming consoles, headphones, and mobile phones.
Deals with companies like Beats by Dre are examples of this trend.
Finally, automotive brands are involved, with some athletes promoting cars or motorcycles. These deals can be particularly lucrative, often involving the athlete appearing in commercials or social media posts with the vehicles.
Future Projections for NIL Earnings
The landscape for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is rapidly evolving.
Several quarterbacks are expected to see their earnings increase significantly due to their performance and popularity.
Shedeur Sanders, quarterback for Colorado, is projected to remain a top earner.
With a current valuation of $4.7 million, his performance could boost this figure even higher.
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s quarterback, also shows promise.
His NIL valuation reflects strong expectations for his on-field success and marketability.
Jayden Daniels, LSU’s starting quarterback, has a rising NIL value.
His all-around skills make him a fan favorite and a top candidate for lucrative deals.
Drake Maye, leading North Carolina, is another key player.
His consistent performance could bring in substantial NIL earnings as he attracts more endorsements.
Caleb Williams, quarterback for USC, continues to be a major player.
His 2023 performance has already raised his NIL value, and continued successes will likely further this trend.
Players’ NIL earnings are influenced by their game performance, social media presence, and marketability.
Quarterbacks with strong statistics and engaging personalities tend to secure higher deals.
These projections assume these athletes maintain their current form and market presence.
Actual earnings will vary based on multiple factors, including team success and individual accomplishments.
For the latest updates on college athlete earnings, visit College Football Network.