5 NCAA athletes Triple H would love to sign to a WWE NIL deal

Triple H has done some pretty revolutionary things in WWE since taking over, particularly in NXT and the Performance Center. This includes NIL, and no, it has nothing to do with Name, Image, or Likeness. Granted, it does take some inspiration from the revolutionary NCAA policy, but in pro wrestling terms, it stands for "Next In Line."

According to Triple H and WWE, the groundbreaking NIL program provides college athletes with a clear path to the company, and so far, it has lived up to that promise. Just one look at the WWE NIL website shows the number of stars who have made their way to the ring thanks to the program.

Gable Steveson and Isaac Odugbesan, better known as Oba Femi, are just two of the many. Given its success, Triple H will surely use it to attract more athletes who could become the next big WWE Superstar.

With that in mind and mixing a bit of fantasy with reality, here are five NCAA athletes The Game would love to sign to a WWE NIL deal.

#5. Jacious Sears is one of the fastest athletes around

Kicking things off, we have the University of Tennessee's Jacious Sears. At the age of 23, Sears is one of the top women's track-and-field athletes. Running 100 meters in 10.77 seconds, she is nothing if not quick, as she holds the second-fastest time in NCAA history. The only woman she is trailing is Olympic gold and silver medalist Sha'Carri Richardson.

Signing her to a WWE NIL deal would be a great move on Triple H's part. The Performance Center is no stranger to runners. Anna Keefer, better known as NXT's Adriana Rizzo, competed in track and field while studying at the University of North Carolina.

Moreover, WWE has already signed a bunch of track stars to NIL deals, and Sears could prove to be another great addition.

#4. Wyatt Hendrickson bares a resemblance to Jack Swagger

Moving on from track and field, we head to the wrestling mat, where we meet Wyatt Hendrickson. Coming out of Oklahoma State University, Hendrickson was listed as one of the 25 most accomplished collegiate wrestlers to watch in 2024-25.

Weighing in at around 285 pounds, Hendrickson certainly has the build to be a professional wrestler.

But perhaps one of the reasons why he seems like a perfect fit for the squared circle is his resemblance to Jack Swagger, AKA Jake Hager. The singlet and All-American vibe aside, there's something about Hendrickson that screams WWE superstar, and Triple H would do well to take note of it.

#3. Ashton Jeanty would be a dream signing for Triple H

Stepping away from reality and into fantasy, we have Ashton Jeanty on the list. The Boise State running back is making waves in college football right now.

A frontrunner for The Heisman Trophy, Ashton Jeanty has been crushing it on the field, reaching 1000 yards rushing in just five games and racking up 16 touchdowns. Given his freakish athleticism, signing Jeanty to an NIL deal would be huge for Triple H and WWE.

While it wouldn't be the first time a football player has made the move to WWE, Jeanty would be a stretch, even for someone as influential as The King of Kings.

As things stand, the 20-year-old is expected to be a first-round draft pick in the NFL draft. Rather than run circles around WWE superstars, he may do the same with NFL defenses in 2025.

#2. Carter Starocci is hailed as the biggest name in college wrestling

Back in reality, we have Penn State's Carter Starocci. Much like Wyatt Hendrickson, Starocci also finds himself among the 25 most accomplished college wrestlers in 2024-25. The only difference is that he finds himself right at the very top. He is undoubtedly an incredible athlete with four national and three-team titles.

Moreover, he has been described as a warrior on the mat, which can only translate well to the squared circle. Starocci could follow in the path of several great amateur wrestlers before him, including Gable Steveson, Kurt Angle, and Brock Lesnar, among others. Should Triple H choose to sign him, his track record shows that he will win championship gold in no time.

#1. Travis Hunter is the college athlete whose name is on everyone's lips

Last but certainly not least, everyone is talking about the one college athlete right now. Granted, we are returning to fantasy with this win, but we would be remiss not to mention Colorado Buffaloes cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter. After all, why wouldn't Triple H want an athlete who is considered a future number-one pick on the WWE roster?

An elite athlete both on the offensive and defensive ends of the gridiron, Hunter has been amazing under the legendary Deion Sanders coaching. While a move to WWE is unlikely, particularly on an NIL deal, it would be great to see him in the ring sometime in the future. Perhaps as one of the many celebrities who make appearances each calendar year.