NFL

Arch Manning leads all college QBs with $6.8M in NIL deals - Here are the top 10

Thanks to the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness rules, Texas quarterback Arch Manning and several other players are valued at millions of dollars.

TIM WARNER | AFP

Jennifer Bubel

Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.

Update: Aug 24th, 2025 16:57 EDT

As the 2025 college football season begins, let’s take a look at some of the most valuable young players.

The landscape of college football has been transformed by the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, allowing student-athletes to profit from their personal brand. In 2025, several players have capitalized on this opportunity, securing lucrative deals that rival those of seasoned professionals.Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-valued college football players this year.

Top 10 highest-valued players with NIL deals in college football: 2025

1. Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns) – $6.8 Million

As the heir to the Manning football legacy, Arch Manning has leveraged his family name and on-field prowess to secure the highest NIL valuation in college football. His deals span various sectors, including automotive, apparel, and technology, making him a household name even before stepping onto the field.

Arch Manning Has a New NIL Deal with Uber+Waymo 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZxhyExHjHl
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) March 4, 2025

2. Carson Beck (Miami Hurricanes) – $4.3 Million

A seasoned quarterback with a powerful arm, Carson Beck has become a prominent figure in Miami’s offense. His NIL portfolio includes partnerships with major brands in the tech and fitness industries, reflecting his marketability and leadership on the field.

3. Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes) – $4.2 Million

Widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects, Jeremiah Smith’s explosive playmaking ability has attracted significant attention. His NIL deals focus on sportswear and energy drink endorsements, capitalizing on his dynamic presence and popularity among fans.

4. QB Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) – $3.8 Million

Known for his strong arm and leadership, Garrett Nussmeier has become a key figure in LSU’s offense. His NIL deals focus on sports equipment and lifestyle brands, highlighting his appeal to a broad audience.

5. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks) – $3.7 Million

After a stellar freshman season, LaNorris Sellers has emerged as a dual-threat quarterback with immense potential. His NIL deals include partnerships with major food and beverage companies, highlighting his appeal both on and off the field.

NEW: South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers has signed an NIL deal with T-Mobile.

Sellers has a $3.7 million On3 NIL Valuation.

Read: https://t.co/u7i8lEC7dB pic.twitter.com/ytdPhKKQgq
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) August 24, 2025

6. DJ Lagway (Florida) - $3.7 Million

Like Sellers, QB DJ Lagway quickly emerged as one of the breakout stars of 2024, going 6-1 in his seven starts and sparking Florida’s midseason turnaround. Off the field, his star power has already translated into major NIL success - landing a deal with Nintendo after the season and appearing in a Gatorade commercial thanks to a pre-freshman year agreement. If Arch Manning heads to the NFL next spring, Lagway could very well be the frontrunner for the top NIL earner spot in 2025.

7. Cade Klubnik (Clemson Tigers) – $3.4 Million

As Clemson’s starting quarterback, Cade Klubnik has led his team with poise and precision. His NIL portfolio includes endorsements with tech and apparel companies, reflecting his status as a rising star in college football.

8. Drew Allar (Penn State) – $3.1 Million

Penn State’s starting quarterback has become one of the faces of the Big Ten. With his strong arm and leadership in Happy Valley, Allar has landed multiple NIL deals that push his value over $3 million, making him one of the highest-paid signal-callers in college football.

9. Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) – $3.1 Million

Leavitt transferred from Michigan State to Arizona State and has quickly become a rising star. His breakout potential in the Pac-12 has attracted major NIL attention, elevating him into the top 10 with a valuation tied with Allar.

10. Bryce Underwood (Michigan) – $3 Million

The five-star freshman quarterback hasn’t even taken a college snap yet, but his reputation as one of the most talented recruits in years has made him a marketing magnet. Underwood’s $3 million NIL valuation reflects both his hype at Michigan and his potential to become the next big star in college football.