The college sports world changed forever on July 1, 2021, when the name, image, and likeness (NIL) passed legislation. This allows collegiate athletes to receive money through endorsement deals with companies who want to use their name, image, or likeness for marketing purposes.
Since the NIL deal was signed into law, several big-name college football players have signed lucrative contracts. Here are five college football players who have already cashed in big!
- Quin Ewers, QB, Ohio State
Ewers sent shockwaves throughout the college football world when he decided to skip his senior year of high school to enroll early at Ohio State. The former star of the Southlake Carroll Dragons (TX) became almost an instant millionaire by signing a three-year deal with GTSM for approximately $1.4 million (dallasnews.com). GTSM is a marketing agency that specializes in autographs.
- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Young hasn’t even started a game for the Crimson Tide but he’s already done quite well financially. The former five-star recruit is closely approaching over $1 million earned through various endorsement deals.
The most notable deal that Young has signed was with Cash App but the terms were undisclosed. Obviously, being the starting QB of the most powerful college team in the land comes with some nice benefits!
- Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Folks out west had to know that this was coming since Nike founder Phil Knight is so closely involved with the Oregon Ducks football program. Knight helped Thibodeaux come up with the artwork for his non-fungible token (NFT) deal.
The standout pass rusher also has a six-figure deal for sports memorabilia. None of this is surprising since Thibodeaux could be the first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
- D’Eriq King, QB, Miami
King, a former standout for the Houston Cougars and now starting QB for the Miami Hurricanes, has inked a whole slew of NIL deals in the past few months. The Heisman Trophy contender signed deals with College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving and Murphy Auto Group. Both of those combined are said to be worth around $20,000.
King has also created a website where fans can buy autographed items from him. He recently signed a deal with a fancy event venue called The Wharf which is located near the Miami River. If King has a stellar 2021 season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a few more lucrative endorsements.
- Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Stingley, arguably the best defensive back in the country, signed a deal with Walk On’s, a popular Bistreaux and Bar in Baton Rouge. Former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees is one of the co-owners of Walk On’s so the deal makes a lot of sense for both parties.
Stingley has also signed other NIL deals with Jimmy Granger’s Ford dealership and Raising Canes, a popular restaurant that specializes in chicken fingers. Stingley should be the first defensive back taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.
