Top 22 highest-paid college athletes and their earnings
College sports have recently changed and become profitable for athletes. In July 2021, the NCAA passed the name, image and likeness (NIL) bill. The bill allows athletes to earn through appearances, endorsements, and interviews. These are the highest-paid college athletes and their earnings.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Summary list of the highest-paid college athletes
- Top 22 highest-paid college athletes
- 22. Ace Bailey - $1.6 million
- 21. Dylan Harper - $1.6 million
- 20. Jaxson Dart - $1.7 million
- 19. Garrett Nussmeier - $1.7 million
- 18. Ryan Williams - $1.7 million
- 17. Johnell Davis - $1.7 million
- 16. LJ Cryer - $1.8 million
- 15. Carson Beck - $1.8 million
- 14. Hunter Dickinson - $2 million
- 13. Mark Sears - $2 million
- 12. Dillon Gabriel - $2 million
- 11. Cam Ward - $2 million
- 10. Quinn Ewers - $2 million
- 9. AJ Dybantsa - $2 million
- 8. Caleb Love - $2.1 million
- 7. Jalen Milroe - $2.2 million
- 6. R.J. Davis - $2.3 million
- 5. Cooper Flagg - $2.6 million
- 4. Arch Manning - $3.1 million
- 3. Travis Hunter - $3.3 million
- 2. Livvy Dunne - $4 million
- 1. Shedeur Sanders - $6.1 million
- How much do college athletes get paid a month?
- Who is the highest-paid college athlete?
- Who is the highest-paid NIL female athlete?
- Who are the highest-paid NIL female college athletes?
- Who has the most NIL money in college football?
- Who pays NIL money?
Thanks to the bill, college athletes have been profiting from their own NIL. This article lists the biggest NIL deals, from lowest to highest, based on data from the 2024 On3NIL ranking.
Summary list of the highest-paid college athletes
| Rank | Name | NIL valuation |
| 1 | Shedeur Sanders | $6.1 million |
| 2 | Livvy Dunne | $4 million |
| 3 | Travis Hunte | $3.3 million |
| 4 | Arch Manning | $3.1 million |
| 5 | Cooper Flagg | $2.6 million |
| 6 | R.J. Davis | $2.3 million |
| 7 | Jalen Milroe | $2.2 million |
| 8 | Caleb Love | $2.1 million |
| 9 | AJ Dybantsa | $2 million |
| 10 | Quinn Ewers | $2 million |
| 11 | Cam Ward | $2 million |
| 12 | Dillon Gabriel | $2 million |
| 13 | Mark Sears | $2 million |
| 14 | Hunter Dickinson | $2 million |
| 15 | Carson Beck | $1.8 million |
| 16 | LJ Cryer | $1.8 million |
| 17 | Johnell Davis | $1.7 million |
| 18 | Ryan Williams | $1.7 million |
| 19 | Garrett Nussmeier | $1.7 million |
| 20 | Jaxson Dart | $1.7 million |
| 21 | Dylan Harper | $1.6 million |
| 22 | Ace Bailey | $1.6 million |
Top 22 highest-paid college athletes
College athletes are making a good fortune from their personal brand. They earn through signing autographs, endorsements, and personal appearances.
The payments have produced some of the youngest millionaires. Here is a list of some of the highest-paid college athletes in 2024.
22. Ace Bailey - $1.6 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Airious "Ace" Bailey
- Date of birth: 13 August 2006
- Place of birth: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
- Current team: Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's basketball
Bailey is a consensus five-star recruit and one of the best players in the 2024 class. Bailey's parents were athletes. His mother, Ramika McGee, attended West Virginia University and played collegiate basketball, while his father, Richard Bailey, played college basketball at Houston. Ace Bailey's value is $1.6 million.
21. Dylan Harper - $1.6 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Dylan Harper
- Date of birth: 2 March 2006
- Place of birth: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, United States
- Current team: Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's basketball
Dylan Harper grew up in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and now attends Don Bosco Preparatory High School. Harper represents the New York Renaissance in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball league.
During the summer of 2024, before his senior year began, ESPN ranked him as the top overall recruit for the class of 2024. Dylan Harper's value is $1.6 million.
20. Jaxson Dart - $1.7 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jaxson Chase Dart
- Date of birth: 13 May 2003
- Place of birth: Kaysville, Utah, United States
- Current team: Ole Miss Rebels football
Jaxson started his college football career with the USC Trojans before transferring to Ole Miss in 2022. Jaxson Dart was also a two-time all-state third baseman on the baseball team. He is among the highest-paid college football players, valued at $1.7 million.
19. Garrett Nussmeier - $1.7 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Garrett Nussmeier
- Date of birth: 7 February 2002
- Place of birth: Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
- Current team: LSU Tigers
Garrett Nussmeier is the son of Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL player and coach. Doug travelled 12 times as a child since his father was a football coach, living in eight states and Canada while spending summers at Lake Charles.
Nussmeier chose to play collegiate football at LSU over offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Miami, Georgia, Baylor, and North Carolina. Garrett Nussmeier's NIL valuation is $1.7 million.
18. Ryan Williams - $1.7 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Ryan Alexander Coleman Williams
- Date of birth: 9 February 2007
- Place of birth: Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Current team: Alabama Crimson Tide football
Williams got his first college start in Week 1 of the 2024 season at 17, making him one of the youngest players in FBS football. He was selected both Alabama Gatorade Football Player of the Year and Alabama Mr. Football. Ryan Williams is one of the youngest highest-paid collegiate athletes, worth $1.7 million.
17. Johnell Davis - $1.7 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Johnell Davis
- Date of birth: 23 May 2001
- Place of birth: Gary, Indiana, United States
- Current team: Arkansas Razorbacks
Davis attended 21st Century Charter School in Gary, Indiana, and played basketball there. He now plays for the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Southeastern Conference. Davis became the first player in NCAA Tournament history to score 25 points, ten rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a single game. Johnell Davis' valuation is $1.7 million.
16. LJ Cryer - $1.8 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lionel "LJ" Cryer Jr.
- Date of birth: 9 October 2001
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Current team: Houston Cougars men's basketball
Cryer attended Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, and played basketball there. He played limited minutes as a freshman at Baylor, averaging 3.4 points per game as his team won the national championship.
In his junior season, Cryer was chosen to the Big 12's Third Team. LJ Cryer's valuation is around $1.8 million.
15. Carson Beck - $1.8 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Carson Raine Beck
- Date of birth: 19 November 2001
- Place of birth: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
- Current team: Georgia Bulldogs football
Carson Beck is a college football quarterback currently playing for the Georgia Bulldogs. He is the starting quarterback for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and has been gaining attention in the 2024 college football season.
The talented Carson Beck has drawn comparisons to pro-level quarterbacks, especially for his ease of throwing touch passes and high-velocity throws. He is one of the highest-paid NIL college athletes, with a valuation of $1.8 million.
14. Hunter Dickinson - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Hunter Dickinson
- Date of birth: 25 November 2000
- Place of birth: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
- Current team: Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball
Hunter Dickinson is an American college basketball player currently playing for the Kansas Jayhawks. He transferred to Kansas in 2023 after three successful years with the Michigan Wolverines, where he built a reputation as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.
During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, establishing himself as a formidable force in the NCAA. Hunter Dickinson's NIL valuation is around $2 million.
13. Mark Sears - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Mark Christopher Sears
- Date of birth: 19 February 2002
- Place of birth: Florence, Alabama, United States
- Current team: Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball
Mark Sears is an American college basketball player who plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Southeastern Conference. He had previously played for the Ohio Bobcats. Sears was selected as the First Team All-MAC following the 2021-22 season. Mark Sears' NIL value is estimated to be $2 million.
12. Dillon Gabriel - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Dillon Gabriel
- Date of birth: 28 December 2000
- Place of birth: Mililani, Hawaii, United States
- Current team: Oregon Ducks football
Gabriel went to Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. Gabriel began his first season at UCF in 2019 as Brandon Wimbush's backup. Gabriel is ranked third all-time in throwing yards. Dillon Gabriel's NIL valuation is $2 million.
11. Cam Ward - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Cameron Anthony Ward
- Date of birth: 25 May 2002
- Place of birth: West Columbia, Texas, United States
- Current team: Miami Hurricanes football
Cameron Ward is an American football quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes. He attended Columbia High School and played football there, completing 72 of 124 passes for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns in his junior season. Cam Ward is one of the youngest and highest-paid collegiate players, valued at around $2 million.
10. Quinn Ewers - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Quinn Tucker Ewers
- Date of birth: 15 March 2003
- Place of birth: San Antonio, Texas, United States
- Current team: Texas Longhorns football
Ewers was in San Antonio, TX. He grew up in Pleasanton, Texas, before moving to Southlake with his family when he was eight. Graham Harrell offered him a football scholarship while he was in sixth grade.
He began his college career at Ohio State and later transferred to the University of Texas at Austin. Quinn Ewers is among the top 10 highest-paid college athletes, with a NIL valuation of $2 million.
9. AJ Dybantsa - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr.
- Date of birth: 29 January 2007
- Place of birth: Brockton, Massachusetts, United States
AJ Dybantsa is an American basketball player who currently attends Utah Prep. He is rated as the number one player in the 2025 class after reclassifying from the 2026 class. In July 2023, On3.com rated Dybantsa the best high school player in the country, regardless of class. AJ Dybantsa's valuation is $2 million.
8. Caleb Love - $2.1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Caleb Khristopher Love
- Date of birth: 27 September 2001
- Place of birth: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Current team: Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
Caleb Love is a standout college basketball player who plays for the Arizona Wildcats after transferring from the University of North Carolina (UNC). Initially, he committed to Michigan but later withdrew due to transfer credit issues before deciding on Arizona. Caleb Love's valuation is $2.1 million.
7. Jalen Milroe - $2.2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jalen Oluwaseun Isaiah Milroe
- Date of birth: 13 December 2002
- Place of birth: Katy, Texas, United States
- Current team: Alabama Crimson Tide football
Jalen Milroe plays as a quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The footballer spent his freshman season as a backup for Bryce Young. Milroe has a rocket arm and jaw-dropping speed. The former four-star quarterback came from Tompkins High School in Texas. Jalen Milroe's valuation is $2.2 million.
6. R.J. Davis - $2.3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Robert Davis Jr.
- Date of birth: 21 October 2001
- Place of birth: White Plains, New York, United States
- Current team: North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball
R.J. Davis is an American college basketball player for the North Carolina Tar Heels. At North Carolina, Davis has been a standout guard. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning him the ACC Player of the Year title. R.J. Davis' valuation is $2.3 million.
5. Cooper Flagg - $2.6 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Cooper Flagg
- Date of birth: 21 December 2006
- Place of birth: Newport, Maine, United States
- Current team: Duke Blue Devils men's basketball
Flagg initially attended Nokomis Regional High School before transferring to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He won multiple national Player of the Year honours and was rated the consensus top recruit in the 2024 class. Cooper Flagg's current valuation is $2.6 million.
4. Arch Manning - $3.1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Archibald Charles Manning
- Date of birth: 27 April 2005
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Current team: Texas Longhorns football
Arch Manning is one of the highest-paid college players. Thanks to his commitment and hype in 2022, he was among the highly publicised college football athletes. Manning committed to the University of Texas Longhorns. His valuation is $3.1 million.
3. Travis Hunter - $3.3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Travis Hunter Jr.
- Date of birth: 18 May 2003
- Place of birth: West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
- Current team: Colorado Buffaloes football
Travis Hunter is an American footballer in his first year with the University of Colorado Buffaloes. He is a wide receiver and cornerback who moved from Jackson State alongside Shedeur Sanders.
In his debut season, Hunter recorded 119 receiving yards and 11 inceptions on defence. In total, he played an astonishing 147 snaps throughout the game. Travis Hunter's NIL valuation is $3.3 million.
2. Livvy Dunne - $4 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Olivia Paige Dunne
- Date of birth: 1 October 2002
- Place of birth: Westwood, New Jersey, United States
- Current team: LSU Tigers
Livvy Dunne is an American gymnast from Louisiana State University and one of the highest-paid female college athletes. Besides her talent, the gymnast is famous on social media.
She posts her pre-match warmups or locker room moments on TikTok, which has 8 million followers as of this writing. Dunne, who recently graduated, has been working with brands like Grubub, Forever 21, and ESPN. Livvy Dunne's valuation is $4 million.
1. Shedeur Sanders - $6.1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Shedeur Sanders
- Date of birth: 7 February 2002
- Place of birth: Tyler, Texas, United States
- Current team: Colorado Buffaloes football
Shedeur Sanders is among the highest-paid college football players. He left Jackson State to play at the University of Colorado with his father as the coach. The young footballer was the starting quarterback for Jackson State before moving.
Sanders is the first student-athlete from an HBCU to sign with Gatorade. He has secured other deals with big companies such as Mercedes-Benz and PLB Sports. Shedeur Sanders' valuation is $6.1 million.
How much do college athletes get paid a month?
College athletes' monthly earnings vary widely depending on their sport, school, level of competition, and individual marketability. Some earn $10,000 to $100,000+ monthly through NIL deals.
Who is the highest-paid college athlete?
Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes and son of Deion Sanders, is considered the highest-paid college athlete in 2024, with an NIL valuation of $6.1 million.
Who is the highest-paid NIL female athlete?
The highest-paid female college athlete through NIL deals is Olivia Dunne, a gymnast from LSU, who has become a top earner with estimated annual earnings of around $4 million.
Who are the highest-paid NIL female college athletes?
The highest-paid female college athletes in the NIL space currently include Livvy Dunne ($4 million), Paige Bueckers ($1.4 million), Haley Cavinder ($889k) and Hanna Cavinder ($863k).
Who has the most NIL money in college football?
As of October 2024, Shedeur Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes has the highest NIL valuation in college football. He has secured significant deals with various brands and is a prominent figure in the NIL landscape.
Who pays NIL money?
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money in college football can come from various sources. Companies can sponsor athletes for endorsements, appearances, or social media promotions. Wealthy individuals may directly sponsor athletes or contribute to collectives.
The above are among the highest-paid college athletes in 2024. Thanks to the 2021 bill, college athletes can now profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The bill has empowered talented college athletes by earning from their talents.
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