Who is the highest paid player in college football? The introduction of compensation for college athletes to receive compensation for Name, Image and Likeness launched a new era. Now, with NIL valuations, we can gain perspective on how much the highest paid college football players make.
Let’s dive into the list of highest paid college football players in 2024, using On3.com’s NIL valuations.
Garrett Nussmeier, quarterback, LSU Tigers – $1.7 million
LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will never be mistaken for Jayden Daniels, but he’s been an above-average starter in 2024. LSU’s offense has become even more dependent on its quarterback after injuries at running back. Fortunately, Nussmeier is delivering thus far. Of note, Nussmeier is tied for 10th among NIL values with Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).
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Ryan Williams, wide receiver, Alabama Crimson Tide – $1.7 million
Ryan Williams is one of the highest paid college football players based on NIL value right now and the youngest player in the sport. By now, everyone knows about the 17-year-old wide receiver who has become the star of this Alabama Crimson Tide offense. He’s been reminiscent of Julio Jones at times this year. Considering how great he looks as a true freshman, it wouldn’t be a surprise if other programs try to poach Williams in 2025, forcing Alabama into a bidding war to keep him.
Carson Beck, quarterback, Georgia Bulldogs – $1.8 million valuation
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck certainly isn’t one of the biggest names in the sport. He also hasn’t done a ton to change that in 2024, underperforming relative to expectations. Still, Beck provides stability at quarterback for the Bulldogs and Georgia remains on track to make the College Football Playoff with a quarterback who ranks eighth among the highest-paid college football players in 2024.
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Dillon Gabriel, quarterback, Oregon Ducks – $2 million valuation
Dillon Gabriel has been worth every penny for the Oregon Ducks since they landed him in the offseason transfer portal. A potential Heisman Trophy finalist, the Ducks quarterback came through big for a season-defining win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Ducks have a Heisman-caliber quarterback who is stepping up in big games, warranting every dollar Oregon’s boosters paid to bring him in ahead of the 2024 season.
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Cam Ward, quarterback, Miami Hurricanes – $2 million valuation
The Miami Hurricanes faced significant competition for quarterback Cam Ward this past offseason, including from the NFL. Ultimately, he took his talents to Miami. The Hurricanes, especially head coach Mario Cristobal, should be especially grateful. At the very least, Ward will likely be a Heisman Trophy finalist this season and he’s almost entirely responsible for “The U” being relevant again and close to making the College Football Playoff.
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Quinn Ewers, quarterback, Texas Longhorns – $2 million valuation
It’s a bit odd to see the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns ranked lower than his backup amongst the highest paid college football players, but that’s the case with Quinn Ewers. The senior quarterback returned for one final season and while he’s not playing at a Heisman-caliber level, he does have Texas on pace to make the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year.
Jalen Milroe, quarterback, Alabama Crimson Tide – $2.2 million valuation
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe got off to an electric start this season, putting himself in a position to be the Heisman front-runner after beating the Georgia Bulldogs. The wheels have since come off for both Milroe and head coach Kalen DeBoer, prompting questions about whether or not Alabama is getting the most on its huge financial commitments to the coach-quarterback duo.
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Arch Manning, quarterback, Texas Longhorns – $3.1 million valuation
Arch Manning drew his first major action in 2024, earning his first starts as the Texas Longhorns quarterback while Quinn Ewers was sidelined. In his brief stint under center, Manning posted a 9-2 TD-INT ratio, throwing for over 900 yards and tacking on 3 rushing touchdowns. With Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders headed to the NFL next season, Manning will likely be leading the highest paid college football players in 2025.
Travis Hunter, wide receiver/cornerback – $3.3 million valuation
Travis Hunter, arguably the best player in college football, ranks second on his own team in terms of his NIL valuation. The two-way star has made himself a Heisman Trophy contender this season with outstanding play as both a receiver and cornerback. He is one of just three players with an NIL value of $3-plus million, including Arch Manning and Shedeur Sanders.
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Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes – $6.1 million valuation
The highest-paid player in college football isn’t necessarily the best player. Shedeur Sanders isn’t anywhere near the Heisman Trophy race in 2024, but the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback does have this program on track for bowl eligibility. In what’s shaping up to be his last season in college football, Sanders is the only player with an NIL valuation over $4 million.
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