BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE
The top 25 highest-paid college athletes by NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) valuation for the 2025-26 season include Arch Manning with a leading valuation of $6.8 million and Fernando Mendoza, who ranks within the top 25 with a valuation of approximately $2.2 million to $2.6 million, depending on the source.
Top 25 Highest Paid College Athletes (2025-26 NIL Valuations)
The following lists the top 25 athletes based on recent NIL valuations:
1. Arch Manning, Texas, Football – Quarterback, $5.3 million – $6.8 million
2. Carson Beck, Miami (FL), Football – Quarterback, $4.3 million – $4.9 million
3. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, Football – Wide Receiver, $4.2 million
4. AJ Dybantsa, BYU, Basketball – Forward, $4.1 million
5. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, Football – Quarterback, $3.7 million – $3.8 million
6. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina, Football – Quarterback, $3.7 million
7. DJ Lagway, Florida, Football – Quarterback, $3.7 million
8. Darian Mensah, Duke, Football – Quarterback, $3.3 million
9. Bryce Underwood, Michigan, Football – Quarterback, $3.0 million
10. JT Toppin, Texas Tech, Basketball – Forward, $2.8 million
11. John Mateer, Oklahoma, Football – Quarterback, $2.6 million – $2.7 million
12. Ryan Williams, Alabama, Football – Wide Receiver, $2.6 million – $2.7 million
13. Josh Hoover, TCU, Football – Quarterback, $2.4 million – $2.5 million
14. Jayden Maiava, USC, Football – Quarterback, $2.4 million
15. Caleb Downs, Ohio State, Football – Safety, $2.4 million
16. Ty Simpson, Alabama, Football – Quarterback, $2.3 million
17. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Basketball – Forward, $2.3 million
18. Cade Klubnik, Clemson, Football – Quarterback, $2.2 million – $3.4 million
19. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Football – Quarterback, $2.2 million – $2.6 million
20. Boogie Fland, Florida, Basketball – Guard, $2.1 million
21, Dylan Raiola, Nebraska, Football – Quarterback, $2.1 million – $2.3 million
22. Taylen Green, Arkansas, Football – Quarterback, $2.1 million – $2.6 million
23. Donovan Dent, UCLA, Basketball – Guard, $2.0 million
24. CJ Bailey, NC State, Football – Quarterback, $2.0 million – $2.3 million
25. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State, Football – Quarterback, $2.0 million – $3.1 million
Fernando Mendoza – not the highest paid but doing well.
Major Endorsement Portfolio: Fernando Mendoza has secured partnerships with major brands, including Adidas, Dr Pepper, T-Mobile, Keurig, Epic Games and Royal Canin.
Heisman Recognition: He recently won the Heisman Trophy, an achievement that significantly boosts an athlete’s market value and earning potential.
Authentic Persona: Mendoza is known for his dedication, leadership, and open discussions about his faith and his mother’s battle with MS, which contribute to a positive public image and brand appeal beyond just his on-field performance.
Projected NFL Future: As a projected first overall pick in the NFL Draft, his current high NIL valuation is seen as a way to “layer leverage” on his future professional contract negotiations.
General NIL Trends
Quarterback Premium: Elite quarterbacks dominate the highest NIL valuations, becoming the primary “luxury assets” for top programs.
Transfer Portal as Free Agency: The transfer portal has amplified the role of NIL, with top players often receiving multimillion-dollar offers from NIL collectives when they transfer to new schools. This essentially functions as a form of free agency within college sports.
Direct School Payments: A significant new development for the 2025-26 season is that some schools can now directly pay athletes through a revenue-sharing model (up to approximately $20.5 million per year), in addition to third-party NIL deals.
Valuation Factors: An athlete’s NIL valuation is not a fixed salary but an estimated projection based on performance, social media following (specifically, Instagram is a major determinant), media exposure and family legacy.
Compliance Challenges: The rapid market growth and new rules have raised concerns about noncompliance, as the value of reported deals appears to be a fraction of the actual money changing hands.
However, most college athletes will have to settle for a scholarship, or even a partial one. In 2026, the landscape of college athlete compensation is divided between direct payments from schools and external marketing deals. While high-profile athletes earn millions, a vast majority of the approximately 200,000 NCAA student-athletes do not receive direct pay for their participation.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of numerous books, songs and videos. Learn more on YouTube, Amazon and Spotify. He is also the founder of Newburgh Seminary/College, Safe Fresh Water and Keep Our Freedom.