It's been one year since the college sports world dramatically changed when the NCAA reluctantly loosened its regulations prohibiting college athletes to profit from their names, images and likenesses. This means that athletes who were restricted from making money off of endorsements, side hustles, and social media partnerships were suddenly allowed to pursue brand deals, and much more. Let's dive into the top 6 NIL deals since July 1, 2021 and what the common thread is between all of these athletes' big earnings.
Olivia Dunne: 1.8M IG Followers, 5.5M TikTok Followers
Olivia Dunne is a LSU gymnast, who is scheduled to graduate in 2024, but she has risen to the top as one of the highest earners in college using the new NIL system–and she's only in her sophomore year! Olivia partners with a wide range of brands including several retailers like Forever 21, American Eagle, and Vuori Clothing. Before NIL was available, Olivia had a large following on TikTok of fans watching her college gymnast journey.
Bryce Young: 202K IG Followers
Bryce Young, the famed Crimson Tide quarterback, is right behind Olivia as he nears $1M in brand deals. His deals align more with the athletic side of the house as he's made his cash with CashApp and trading cards.
Related: Rate the University of Alabama
Bo Nix: 121K IG Followers
The rivalry continues off the gridiron as Auburn's quarterback, Bo Nix, follows Bryce Young in NIL earnings. But unlike Young, Nix is making his money with Milo's Sweet Tea, which also endorses a University of Alabama lineman. Milo's has commented the rivalry between the two talents has brought a fun dynamic to the brand.
Related: Rate Auburn University
Myles Brennan and Derek Stingley Jr.: 273.5K (Collectively) IG Followers
The SEC continues to bring in the money, institutionally and individually, as LSU quarterback Myles Brennan and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. are going in a similar direction as Nix by working with the food and beverage industry, endorsing brands such as Smoothie King and Small Sliders.
The Cavinder Twins: 60.9K IG Followers (Joint IG) 410K+ (Individual IGs)
The Cavinder Twins, a pair of basketball players out of Fresno State, were two of the first athletes to jump in on the fun of the NIL benefits, including a brand deal with Boost Mobile. The twins were on track to make more than their coach last year.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Quinn Ewers: 125K IG Followers
Quinn Ewers is now a quarterback at the University of Texas, but he jumped at the opportunity to finish high school to go to the Ohio State University where he also signed a contract for a $1.4 million brand deal to provide autographs.
One year after a monumental decision, athletes prove (once again) that they can do it all! Athletes held up their academic obligations, athletic duties and took up a side hustle to make money off their athletic abilities. Stay tuned for more NIL anniversary content!
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* Originally published on July 12, 2022, by Caelyn Elwin
