The Supreme Court’s decision to allow NCAA athletes to benefit from their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) has significantly transformed college athletics. With college football being one of the most popular sports in the country, a key question arises: how much do college football players actually earn?
What positions in college football make the most money?
While players do not receive direct compensation for their performance, NIL deals give them the opportunity to earn income, which varies significantly by position. Just like in the NFL, position plays a crucial role in determining compensation levels.
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Here is an estimate of how income varies by position:
- Quarterbacks: $820,000
- Wide receivers: $610,000
- Offensive line: $500,000
- Defensive line: $470,000
- Linebackers: $440,000
- Secondary defensive: $410,000
- Corridors: $340,000
- Tight end: $140,000
- Specialists (Kickers/Punters): $60,000
These figures represent the expected compensation for athletes in the Power Four conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC). Players in the Group of Five conferences generally earn significantly less.
Which college football players make the most money?
The best college football players tend to secure the highest NIL deals, with market value playing a key role. Unlike the NFL, there is no salary cap, but NIL valuations offer insight into player earnings.
According to On3 Sports, the highest-paid college football players include:
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado) – $4.7 million
- Arch Manning (QB, Texas) – $3.1 million
- Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado) – $2.7 million
- Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas) – $1.7 million
- Carson Beck (QB, Georgia) – $1.4 million
- Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss) – $1.3 million
- Evan Stewart (WR, Oregon) – $1.3 million
- Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon) – $1.2 million
- Nico Iamaleava (QB, Tennessee) – $1.2 million
The NIL landscape continues to evolve, shaping the future of college football. While some athletes benefit greatly, earnings remain highly variable and depend on position, school and marketability.