Name, Image, and Likeness deals have reached staggering levels in 2026, with top college athletes earning millions.
Highest-Earning College Athletes
- Arch Manning (Texas QB): $5.8M in NIL deals
- JuJu Watkins (USC Basketball): $3.2M
- Dylan Raiola (Nebraska QB): $2.9M
- Flau'jae Johnson (LSU Basketball): $2.5M
The total NIL market reached $1.67 billion in 2025, up 40% from the previous year. Football and basketball account for 85% of all NIL money.
