5 players with highest NIL valuation in SEC ft. $790,000 Mark Sears 

NIL has added a new realm to college sports and is here to stay and this revenue structure allows athletes to have more control over utilizing their talents for monetary benefits than ever. The college circuit has witnessed a massive shift in conferences before showcasing the latest talent pool.

On that note, let's look at players from the Southeastern Conference who have the highest NIL valuations (figures via On3):

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5 players with the highest NIL valuation in the SEC

#5. Crimson Tide freshman forward Derrion Reid - $227,000

Syndication: The Augusta Chronicle (image credit: IMAGN)

Derrion Reid, a four-star small forward, recently committed to Alabama over programs like Auburn, Kansas State, Georgia, Florida State and others. He brings a 6-foot-7 frame and promising athleticism which can impact both ends of the floor. His NIL valuation is currently stated as $227,000 and ranks 19th in high school basketball.

#4. Former North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball Grant Nelson - $503,000

Grant Nelson entered the NBA recruiting cycle but then leaned toward the Alabama Crimson Tide after learning that he needed to improve his range and defense to become a first-round pick.

Nelson has switched to an agent after having his eldest brother Justin Thomas do the numbers, With that, he has a $503,000 worth NIL valuation. Nevertheless, he is ranked second among Alabama’s ranked players behind Mark Sears.

#3. Texas' 2023 First-team All-SEC Wade Taylor - $543,000

Wade Taylor churned out his best year last season by averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals. He led the program in three statistical aspects (points, steals, assists) and will have a huge impact on their next season's aspiration of mounting a deep run.

His NIL evaluation was estimated to be $543,000 last year can see an increase before he gets draft ready.

#2. AAC PoY Johnell Davis in Arkansas - $778,000

Johnell Davis committed to Arkansas in May through the transfer portal and will join a handful of top-40 recruits in John Calipari’s rebuild. Davis was recently reported to be offered around $1 million by Razorbacks to join the roster. He has been one of the best point guards in the collegiate circuit and has led the Florida Atlantic Owls to two promising NCAA runs.

#1. Alabama's All-American guard Mark Sears - $790,000

Mark Sears recently withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 NBA draft to return to Crimson Tide for a final year. The decision came when Sears was unable to pose himself as a top-tier draft prospect and he will try another hand at garnering a guaranteed contract or elevating his stock to at least the top-45 range.

Sears recently sealed partnerships with Daps, C4 Energy, and TurboTax and has a NIL valuation of $790,000.