The 10 highest paid college athletes, ranked in NIL ratings

Name, Image and Likeness deals – or NIL deals for short – have become a multi-billion dollar industry since their introduction to amateur sports in 2021, allowing student athletes the opportunity to earn significant amounts of money regardless of whether they have the option to becomes a pro.

Additionally, in May, as part of a major antitrust settlement, the NCAA and its five power conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC) agreed that schools can pay their athletes directly for the first time at college. the history of athletics.

Spencer Wadsworth, senior vice president of global soccer at talent management firm Wasserman, told Business Insider that the NIL has helped take the pressure off some athletes to turn pro prematurely.

“There are different pressures that everyone goes through and I think knowing that you can still make a living – technically getting paid for your sport – and continue your education is hugely positive because everyone has their own journey,” he said. he said.

Wadsworth added that the NIL can teach athletes good habits when it comes to managing their money by giving them more support rather than leaving them to fend for themselves as professionals.

And the sums are not insignificant: Even at the college level, some athletes are worth millions of dollars.

Media and technology company On3 uses an algorithm to track and update players’ NIL Ratings on a weekly basis.

NIL ratings are calculated based on an athlete’s performance, influence, exposure and transaction data, which are used to create a roster value and a NIL value.

According to On3, most athletes’ total NIL ratings are based on their roster value, which is defined as “a calculation of an athlete’s respective value to their team,” similar to the salary professional athletes receive from their organizations.

Meanwhile, their NIL value is tied to how an athlete’s performance, influence and exposure lead to additional publicity and sponsorships.

Their list value plus their NIL value creates their total NIL rating.

While these student-athletes have built names for themselves through their talents, skills and social media savvy, some of the top NIL winners may have had an extra helping hand in attracting offers thanks to their old family names.

With valuations starting at $1.3 million, here’s a look at the top 10 student-athletes who benefited the most from the NIL. These figures were accurate as of August 30, 2024.