With Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) rights now in play, college athletes have the chance to profit from their personal brands for the first time, and it’s transformed the landscape of college sports. Brands are seizing this unique opportunity with big-budget campaigns and product sponsorships, benefiting from these new platforms while financially supporting student-athletes as they juggle academics and athletics.
NIL is making waves in college sports, from basketball courts and football fields to swimming pools and gymnastics mats. This list spotlights athletes from a variety of sports, showcasing how NIL is shaping new paths for college athletes across the board.
Shedeur Sanders
It’s not easy following in the footsteps of an NFL Hall-of-Famer, but quarterback Shedeur Sanders has quickly made a name for himself both on and off the field. With a large social media following (674K on TikTok and 2M on Instagram) and impressive stats on the field, Sanders has become one of college football’s most talked-about athletes. The son of legendary NFL player Deion Sanders, Shedeur is carrying on the family legacy while carving out his own path. Currently the starting quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes – with his father as his head coach – he’s led his team with standout performances that have drawn national attention.
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Sanders has secured a number of major endorsement deals, including partnerships with brands like Gatorade and Beats by Dre, solidifying his influence as a leading figure in the NIL space. Shadeur is known for his dedication to his sport and charismatic personality, and he’s quickly becoming a household name in both college sports and brand marketing.
Olivia Dunne
Olivia Dunne is more than just a powerhouse gymnast. She is also incredible at ‘balancing’ her role as a standout athlete at Louisiana State University with her massive social media following. Known for her graceful routines and infectious energy, Dunne has captivated audiences far and wide. Dunne has over 8M followers on TikTok and 5.3M on Instagram, making her one of the most influential college athletes in the NIL space.
@livvy You probably smell… get W in the naturals isle at Walmart😉 @Jake Paul @itscalledw
Olivia’s content is a blend of athletic highlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal insights, making her relatable to fans and inspiring a new generation of athletes. And as her following has grown, so has her brand appeal. This has led to high-profile partnerships with companies like Forever 21 and American Eagle. Her success showcases the potential of NIL for college athletes, setting a standard for how to build a brand while competing at the highest level.
Quinn Ewers
As one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football, Quinn Ewers is turning heads both for his talent on the field and his growing brand presence. Known for his arm strength and football IQ, Ewers originally committed to Ohio State before transferring to the University of Texas, where he now leads the Longhorns, one of the top programs in the country. His decision to return to his home state of Texas has only bolstered his popularity, especially among passionate Longhorn fans and his 251K followers on Instagram.
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With major endorsement deals that include partnerships with C4 Energy and Hulu, Ewers is already making waves in the NIL landscape. His laid-back personality paired with his competitive edge make him a perfect fit for brands looking to connect with a young, sports-driven audience.
The Cavinder Twins
The Cavinder twins, Haley and Hanna, are redefining the power of personal branding in college sports. The former Fresno State basketball stars and current Miami Hurricanes have become household names on social media, captivating millions with their synchronized moves while showing the world a behind-the-scenes look into college life. Together, they boast an impressive following across TikTok (4.5M followers) and Instagram (331K followers), where they share everything from their on-the-court highlights to playful content that showcases their unbreakable bond.
@cavindertwins this is a joke🧚♂️
Their influence has attracted attention from major brands, leading to prominent NIL deals with companies like Boost Mobile, Champs Sports, and Under Armour. With their dynamic brand and ever-growing fanbase, Haley and Hanna are setting the standard for college athletes in the social media spotlight.
Anthony Hamilton Jr
Anthony Hamilton Jr. is carving out a unique space in the NIL arena, showcasing his athletic skills and marketability as one of Viral Nation’s prominent athlete influencers. Known for his engaging on-court presence, Hamilton has scored over 11 brand partnerships, collaborating with names like Sleeper, Reign Total Body Fuel, and the dating app BLK. His social media influence is undeniable—an Instagram clip of him playing basketball against NFL star Tyreek Hill went viral, further amplifying his reach.
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With earnings surpassing half a million dollars, Hamilton’s approach highlights the potential of NIL for college athletes who bring a blend of talent and charisma. Anthony’s success exemplifies how athletes can thrive by strategically building their brand, making him one to watch as NIL continues to shape the future of college sports.
Flau’jae Johnson
When you use the term “dual threat” in college athletics, nobody embodies it quite like Flau’jae Johnson. Not only is she a standout guard for LSU’s women’s basketball team, but she’s also a rising hip-hop artist, bringing creativity and intensity to everything she does. Known for her infectious energy both on and off the court, Flau’jae has made an impact with her scoring ability and relentless drive.
@flaujaee MAN YALL ARE AMAZING ! WORDS CANT EVEN EXPLAIN THIS FEELING ! WE’RE TRENDING AT NUMBER 14 ON YOUTUBE LET’S KEEP IT ROLLING ! #CameOutABeast 🔐🤩
Outside of basketball, her talent in music has led to a unique NIL journey, with partnerships with JBL, Powerade, and Taco Bell that celebrate her multidimensional brand and large social media following (1.9M followers on Instagram and 1.6M followers on TikTok). With endorsement deals that reflect both her athletic and artistic sides, Flau’jae is setting a new standard for what college athletes can achieve.
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Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe’s journey as Alabama’s quarterback is one to watch, marked by raw talent, athleticism, and resilience under pressure. Known for his agility and powerful arm, Milroe brings a unique energy to the Crimson Tide, embracing the spotlight in one of college football’s most intense programs. From his clutch plays to his dedication in training, he’s proven he’s ready to lead.
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Brands have taken notice, with Milroe already attracting attention for his marketability and influence. With brand deals of the likes of Celsius, Beats by Dre, and Hey Dude, he’s become a sought-after name in the NIL world, aligning with companies that value grit, ambition, and potential.
Paige Bueckers
UConn Huskies standout Paige Bueckers is redefining what it means to be a college basketball star, blending talent, confidence, and charisma to captivate fans and build a powerful personal brand. Bueckers has become a household name known for her impressive court vision, scoring ability, and relentless drive. But like the others on this list, her influence extends beyond the court. Her authentic personality and connection with fans have made her a major presence on social media among her 3M followers on TikTok and 2M followers on Instagram.
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With high-profile partnerships like Gatorade and StockX, Bueckers is setting a new standard in the NIL landscape, especially for women’s sports. She’s proving that female athletes have incredible potential for brand impact and audience engagement, paving the way for future stars to follow.
Azzi Fudd
Bueckers isn’t the only UConn star on the list. Her teammate Azzi Fudd is also setting new expectations for what a young basketball star can accomplish. Fudd has quickly become known for her sharpshooting and composure under pressure, earning praise as one of the best shooters in college basketball. Her talent on the court is matched only by her impact off it, as she’s already making waves in the NIL space with a unique approach that’s as strategic as her on-court game.
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Fudd’s endorsements include major brands like Chipotle and BioSteel, marking her as one of the most marketable athletes in college sports today. She’s leveraging her platform not just to elevate her career but to inspire young athletes, especially women in sports, showing that skill, discipline, and smart branding can lead to limitless opportunities.
Hailey Van Lith
If you’ve ever watched Hailey Van Lith play basketball, you know she brings a fierce competitive spirit and undeniable talent to the court. As one of college basketball’s standout guards, Hailey is known for her dynamic scoring ability and clutch performances, earning a reputation as a fearless leader for her team at the TCU. Her on-court intensity and passion for the game have quickly made her a fan favorite and an influential figure in women’s basketball.
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Off the court, Van Lith is capturing brand attention in the NIL arena, with endorsements including Adidas and Lacroix that align with her ambitious, driven persona. She’s embraced her platform to inspire young athletes, especially girls who look up to her resilience and determination.
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As NIL reshapes college sports, Viral Nation empowers brands to connect with dynamic athlete influencers who captivate audiences. Align your brand with standout personalities whose reach goes beyond the game. Partner with Viral Nation to amplify your message through authentic connections with influential college athletes.
