Based on a report, Shedeur Sanders ranks at the top of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for this year’s college football season.



According to On3.com, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback knocked out Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning by having a $3.8 million NIL valuation — the highest NIL valuation among all players in college football, as of this writing.



The 21-year-old’s NIL valuation jumped from $2.5 million after leading his team to an upset win against Texas Christian University Horned Frogs on Sept. 2. As of this writing, he comes second in On3’s overall NIL valuation list to University of Southern California’s Trojans’ Bronny James, whose NIL valuation is $6.1 million, as of this writing.

According to NFL Rookie Watch, Sanders’ projected NIL earnings are more than $2 million more than Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s base salary and nearly $3 million more than Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s base salary during this season.

Along with the potential NIL earnings, Sanders has already been securing wins since he started playing college football. When he was a former Jackson State University quarterback — before joining his father, Deion Sanders, at the University of Colorado — he was the first athlete to join Beats’ talent roster. He was also the company’s youngest ambassador at age 19, as previously shared by AFROTECH in 2021.

“I remember getting my first pair of Beats, so this feels full circle,” Shedeur said in an official statement shared with AFROTECH at the time. “I’m excited to be part of a brand that inspires and represents the culture in a positive way, and that’s exactly what I want to do with my career.”

What’s more, the following year, Sanders became the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) athlete to sign a multi-year deal with Gatorade. 

Sanders is also one of the brand ambassadors of Tom Brady’s Brady Brand. When he joined in 2022, he made history as its first-ever athlete under the brand.

“Shedeur Sanders embodies everything we look for in a BRADY™ athlete,” Brady shared in a press statement. “His character and values align perfectly with our brand. Not only is he an exceptional football player and quarterback but he is one of the most influential players of his generation.”