College Football and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Deals

Hey all, I'm trying to understand this whole new NIL deal thing that's taken college sports by storm. I'm specifically interested in football. Do you guys know which college football programs have their athletes making the most from NIL money? Cheers for the responses in advance.

Hi there! NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules have indeed transformed college football and athletes' ability to benefit financially. To answer your question, we'll have to rely on some reported information, as specific player deals aren't always disclosed publicly.

That said, anecdotal evidence and news reports point to some schools emerging as leaders in this new landscape. Schools such as the University of Texas and the University of Alabama have made headlines with players landing significant deals. For instance, an Alabama quarterback, Bryce Young, reportedly made close to one million dollars from NIL deals before he even started a game. Similarly, the University of Texas’ offensive linemen acquired a group deal that promised each of them $50,000 annually.

Moreover, some entrepreneurial athletes have started their businesses thanks to the new NIL rules. Some schools, particularly those in large markets, paired with athletes' entrepreneurial spirit, may lend themselves well to substantial NIL earnings due to increased marketing opportunities and fan engagement.

Keep in mind that this landscape is still quite new and evolving. It's also important to understand that these examples are more outliers than the norm. Many athletes will likely see modest returns from their NIL rights, and the amounts can vary significantly between athletes, sports, and colleges. Also, remember that there are potential tax implications which athletes need to be aware of when participating in NIL deals.