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Since 2021, name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have helped student-athletes profit from their skills and popularity. The top NIL Black athletes excel in their respective sports while building wealth.
College sports media company On3 indexes these partnerships to keep track of announced deals. They’ve created a valuation based on the athletes’ performance, influence, exposure, and deal data.
Five Top NIL Black Athletes
5. Bryce Underwood-$1.3 million
The youngest on our list, Bryce Underwood, is the quarterback for the Michigan Bellville High School team and has just over 100,000 followers on social media. He’s the No. 1 recruit for the 2025 class and is committed to the Louisiana State University Tigers. While the 6-foot-4 player hasn’t partnered with any brands yet, On3 predicts that, based on his adeptness as a player, the five-star recruit will be able to negotiate his worth.
4. Evan Stewart-$1.3 million
Standing at 6-feet, Evan Stewart is a wide receiver for the Oregon Ducks. A five-star recruit, he previously played for the Texas A&M Aggies. With a social media following of over 2 million, he’s worked with NOCCO USA, a popular European drink, Coach, and EA Sports, the sports video game developer and publisher.
3. Jalen Milroe-$1.7 million
Quarterback Jalen Milroe plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama. A four-star recruit now in his junior year, he’s been able to secure deals with Six Star Pro Nutrition, activewear line Rhoback, Beats by Dre, Hey Dude shoes, and EA Sports. The 6-foot-2 player has just over 200,000 social media followers.
2. Travis Hunter-$2.6 million
With over 2 million social media followers, Travis Hunter is a wide receiver and cornerback for the Colorado Buffaloes at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter played his freshman year at Jackson State University and then transferred to Colorado. He won the 2023 Paul Hornung Award for being the most versatile player in major college football. The 6-foot-1 player has gotten numerous deals, including from EA Sports, FreeFrom Sports, and Leaf Trading Cards.
1. Shedeur Sanders-$4.9 million
The son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders is just starting to tap into his potential as the quarterback of the Colorado Buffaloes at the University of Colorado, Boulder. His talent and his family legacy put him leagues ahead of other athletes. It is a family affair; his father, Coach Prime, is the head coach for Colorado, and his brother Shilo, plays safety for the team. With over 2 million followers on social media, Sanders has partnered with Google, Gatorade, Beats by Dre, Mercedes-Benz, and Urban Outfitters, to name a few.
These top NIL Black athletes are all football stars to watch. Many of these athletes have increased their earnings after graduation when they sign with professional sports leagues. For many, it’s a way to diversify and supplement their income. If these players build strong relationships with brands, this may only be the beginning of their bargaining power. Congratulations gentlemen!
I agree with NIL endorsements for college players. Previously, the National Collegiate …NCAA.. was so strict, a student could lose eligibility if they received beyond a free meal. Let alone a car.
I have also listened to former / retired football players and coaches. They are also in agreement of compensation with some reservation.
Former NFL Quarterback, Micheal Vick, noted he hopes the young men do not prematurely jump at offers, that for a student/ player, a $500,000 dollar deal sounds great. And chase that dream. Probably to blossom too soon. When the player could have patience for a time (not abusing his talents) to receive a first time guaranteed NFL contract for five million dollars.
Benefits -vs- Liability?
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