5 highest NIL earners in college football after 2023 season ft. Shedeur Sanders

The NIL era has transformed students' college careers. Before NIL deals, student-athletes only profited through the education they often got free of charge. Also, they benefited less directly through the possibility of showcasing their abilities to potential suitors in the top professional leagues.

NIL deals opened up the possibility for students to earn more than a living, way more, and to create the foundations of a financial infrastructure that can last them a lifetime. The competition for these deals is fierce, with the rankings ever evolving.

Let us see which players ended at the top of the financial pyramid after the 2023 college football season.

5 highest NIL earners in college football

#1 Shedeur Sanders - Colorado

At No. 1, we have an unsurprising entrant in the form of Deion Sanders' son Shedeur, considering how the Colorado Buffaloes dominated coverage of the 2023 season.

It also doesn't hurt to coast on your famous last name. Shedeur's deals are valued at $4.6 million, the second highest in college athletics. He works with brands like Google, Mercedes-Benz and Urban Outfitters.

#2 Arch Manning - Texas

Another darling of the media, Manning is propelled by his famous last name and position as the heir of the family's football legacy.

If anything, you wonder how much he will be worth once he actually plays. His NIL deals are valued at $2.4 million, with his only reported agreement being with Panini America.

#3 Caleb Williams - USC

Williams is another unsurprising entry, as the quarterback became the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner will leave for the NFL, with his NIL deals being valued at $2.7 million.

He worked with brands like Dr. Pepper, PlayStation, Postmates, and United Airlines. He was a staple of TV commercials all season.

#4 Jayden Daniels - LSU

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is another player who is heading to the NFL with substantial NIL deals. His deals are valued at $2.2 million, having increased significantly after his Heisman win in early December. He's reported as having worked with Raising Cane's, Powerade and Urban Outfitters.

#5 Travis Hunter - Colorado

Another member of the Colorado media machine. Despite being injured for an important part of his first season in the FBS, Hunter grew his deals to a value of $2.7 million as of December 2023, per On3. The brands with which he works include Cheez-It, 7-Eleven and American Eagle.