Highest-Paid College Athletes by NIL in 2026

Updated 2026-06-06

College athletes can now earn real money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), and the biggest stars pull in seven figures a year. Below are the highest NIL valuations in college sports for 2026, based on publicly reported figures from On3's NIL valuations, which estimate each athlete's projected 12 month earning potential. These are estimates, not salaries, and they change often.

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Top NIL valuations in 2026

1. Arch Manning, Texas quarterback, about $5.4M. The single highest valuation in college sports, backed by deals reported with Red Bull, Panini, EA Sports, Raising Cane's, and more.
2. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State wide receiver, about $4.2M. The most valuable non quarterback in the country.
3. AJ Dybantsa, BYU freshman, about $4.2M. The top men's basketball valuation.
4. Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback, about $4.0M.
5. Bryce Underwood, Michigan quarterback, about $3.1M, tied to a reported four year package worth roughly $10.5M, among the largest in college football history.
6. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback, about $3.0M.
7. JT Toppin, Texas Tech, about $2.8M.
8. PJ Haggerty, about $2.6M.
9. Cameron Boozer, Duke, about $2.2M.
10. Flau'jae Johnson, LSU, about $1.5M. The top women's basketball valuation.

Football leads, and quarterbacks rule

Football produces the most NIL value, and quarterbacks sit at the very top. They touch every offensive snap, carry the heaviest media load, and are the face of the program, so brands pay a premium. The 2026 leaderboard is stacked with passers: Arch Manning, Sam Leavitt, Bryce Underwood, and Dante Moore all clear $3M. The clearest exception is Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, whose roughly $4.2M valuation is the highest for any non quarterback.

Men's basketball

Men's basketball produces the highest non football figure in the country. BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa leads at about $4.2M, followed by Texas Tech's JT Toppin near $2.8M, PJ Haggerty around $2.6M, and Duke's Cameron Boozer at roughly $2.2M.

Women's basketball

Women's basketball is the top NIL sport for female athletes. LSU's Flau'jae Johnson leads at about $1.5M, with USC's JuJu Watkins close behind near three quarters of a million dollars and a Nike signature shoe on the way. The top women's figures trail the leading football and men's basketball numbers, but they are growing fast.

How these numbers are set

An NIL valuation blends a few things brands actually pay for: social reach and engagement, on field performance and role, the size of the school and market, the sport, the position, and pro potential. We explain the full method in how NIL valuations actually work. You can also estimate any athlete yourself, including high schoolers not yet in the database.

Figures are estimated NIL valuations drawn from public reporting (primarily On3) and update frequently. They are projections of 12 month earning potential, not confirmed salaries or amounts paid.

Sources

• On3 NIL Valuations
• Bleacher Report: top NIL valuations entering 2026
• Yahoo Sports: college basketball NIL leaders