NCAAB · 3 weeks ago

Cameron Boozer & Tounde Yessoufou Pace 2026 Men’s College Basketball Top 70 NIL Rankings

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

College Basketball NILmatic State of Mind
As of February 5, 2026, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) economy has shifted from a chaotic "Wild West" into a structured, billion-dollar marketplace. While NIL Collectives remain the dominant force, the rise of direct school payments and revenue sharing has redefined how star athletes are valued.
2026 College Basketball Hot 70 NIL Rankings
The 2026 Market Shift: From "Wild West" to Formal Economy

The mid-season landscape for Men's College Basketball (CBB) reveals a major degree of professionalization in the market. While NIL Collectives still account for over 80% of total athlete compensation, star freshmen like Tounde Yessoufou (pictured above), Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are seeing a spike in "Commercial Equity"—high-value partnerships driven by high social media engagement and national brand recognition.

February 5th | Key Market Trends
- The "Stay-in-School" Multiplier: Proven juniors like JT Toppin are now commanding "lottery-level" compensation packages to remain in the college system, a direct result of schools utilizing new revenue-sharing models to prevent early NBA entry.
- Diversified Blue-Chip Portfolios: National powerhouses like T-Mobile, SeatGeek, and Invisalign have moved beyond one-off posts to build long-term, multi-athlete CBB campaigns that prioritize digital reach and direct fan interaction.
- Institutionalized Compliance: The newly established NIL Go centralized review system has now cleared over 17,000 unique deals. This regulatory oversight ensures that valuations for the Top 70 remain "market-based," effectively ending the era of unregulated "shady booster" activity.
Tournament Window Outlook

With the tournament window approaching, we expect extreme market volatility. Performance "triggers" tied to March Madness success and deep postseason runs are poised to cause a massive reshuffle in the final Top 100 rankings.
1. AJ Dybantsa
SF, BYU | $4.4M
- AJ Dybantsa remains the undisputed king of college basketball NIL. His valuation is anchored by a rumored $7M multi-year contract—the largest in CBB history—which brought the nation's top prospect to Provo. High-profile deals with Fanatics, Nike, and Red Bull continue to push his market value toward football-star territory.
- Team: BYU Cougars
- Position: Small Forward
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Brockton, Massachusetts
- Social Media Followers: 834,900
2. JT Toppin
PF, Texas Tech | $2.9M
- JT Toppin holds the #2 spot after choosing to return to Lubbock for his junior season. By passing on the NBA, Toppin secured nearly $3M in NIL compensation, making him one of the highest-paid post players in the nation and a prime example of the "Stay-in-School" model thriving in 2026.
- Team: Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Position: Power Forward
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Dallas, Texas
- Social Media Followers: 18,400
3. Yaxel Lendeborg
PF, Michigan | $2.3M
- Yaxel Lendeborg saw a massive valuation jump following his transfer from UAB to Michigan. Now leading the Wolverines' frontcourt, his $2.3M market value is supported by one of the Big Ten's most aggressive collective efforts and local endorsement deals with the O'Neal Cancer Center.
- Team: Michigan Wolverines
- Position: Power Forward
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Yuma, Arizona
- Social Media Followers: 46,100
4. Cameron Boozer
PF, Duke | $1.8M
- Cameron Boozer is the face of the ACC's new elite tier. As a freshman leading the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding, Boozer carries a $1.8M valuation buoyed by his family's basketball lineage and a marquee partnership with Jordan Brand.
- Team: Duke Blue Devils
- Position: Power Forward
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Miami, Florida
- Social Media Followers: 133,154
5. Jayden Quaintance
PF, Kentucky | $2.0M
- Jayden Quaintance is currently valued at $2.0M as the cornerstone of Kentucky's frontcourt. Despite rehabbing an ACL injury, his "One-and-Done" potential and reported deals with Panini America and PSD Underwear keep him firmly in the Top 5.
- Team: Kentucky Wildcats
- Position: Power Forward
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
- Social Media Followers: 6,200
6. Caleb Wilson
PF, North Carolina | $1.7M
- Caleb Wilson has seen his stock explode as a "Five-Star Plus+" freshman at UNC. With a $1.7M valuation, Wilson made history this cycle by signing a landmark shoe deal with New Balance and joining the Klutch Athletics brand roster.
- Team: North Carolina Tar Heels
- Position: Power Forward
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- Social Media Followers: 21,300
7. PJ Haggerty
SG, Kansas State | $1.7M
- PJ Haggerty remains one of the most bankable guards in the country with a $1.7M market value. His portfolio includes significant deals with the Bluff City NIL collective, proving that high-volume scorers can command elite-tier earnings.
- Team: Kansas State Wildcats
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Class: Redshirt Junior
- Hometown: Crosby, Texas
- Social Media Followers: 5,300
8. Labaron Philon
PG, Alabama | $1.7M
- Labaron Philon rounds out the freshman elite with a $1.7M valuation at Alabama. The dynamic sophomore point guard is a central figure in the Crimson Tide’s NIL strategy, leveraging his high-octane playstyle into national brand recognition.
- Team: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Position: Point Guard
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
- Social Media Followers: 38,400
9. Denzel Aberdeen
CG, Kentucky | $1.6M
- Denzel Aberdeen has surged to a $1.6M valuation after moving into a starting role for the Wildcats. Reports indicated his transfer from Florida came with an asking price near $2M, and his clutch performances this season have justified that market-high investment.
- Team: Kentucky Wildcats
- Position: Guard
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Orlando, Florida
- Social Media Followers: N/A
10. Braden Smith
PG, Purdue | $1.8M
- Braden Smith holds the #10 spot with a $1.8M valuation, up 15% over the last 10 weeks. As the veteran leader of a Top 5 Boilermakers squad, Smith’s deals with HEYDUDE Shoes and the NIL Store highlight his status as one of the most recognizable players in the Big Ten.
- Team: Purdue Boilermakers
- Position: Guard
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Westfield, Indiana
- Social Media Followers: 35,600
11. Darryn Peterson
G, Kansas | $1.5M

Darryn Peterson has immediate star power in Lawrence, justifying his $1.5M valuation as a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His elite three-level scoring and defensive playmaking have made him the center of high-profile national brand interests as he leads the Jayhawks' backcourt.
- Team: Kansas Jayhawks
- Position: Guard
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Canton, Ohio
- Social Media Followers: 120,000+
12. Jeremy Fears
PG, Michigan State | $1.4M

Jeremy Fears Jr. has surged to a $1.4M valuation as the engine behind the Spartans' impressive ranking. Named a midseason finalist for the 2026 Bob Cousy Award, his elite assist-to-turnover ratio and veteran-level poise have solidified his brand as one of the most reliable floor generals in the Big Ten.
- Team: Michigan State Spartans
- Position: Guard
- Class: Redshirt Sophomore
- Hometown: Joliet, Illinois
- Social Media Followers: 65,000+
13. Graham Ike
C, Gonzaga | $1.3M

Graham Ike remains a dominant force in the West Coast Conference, commanding a $1.3M valuation as a graduate senior. His consistent double-double production and high field-goal percentage have allowed him to maximize his local market power in Spokane while remaining a focal point for national scouting reports.
- Team: Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Position: Forward
- Class: Graduate Senior
- Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
- Social Media Followers: 20,000+
14. Nate Ament
F, Tennessee | $1.2M

Nate Ament’s $1.2M valuation reflects the heavy market demand for his rare 6-foot-9 size and perimeter fluidity. After narrowings his choices in a high-profile "Fanstake" auction, his presence in Knoxville has become a primary driver for the Volunteers' NIL efforts and NBA draft visibility.
- Team: Tennessee Volunteers
- Position: Forward
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Manassas, Virginia
- Social Media Followers: 55,000+
15. Bryce James
SG, Arizona | $1.2M

Bryce James maintains a formidable $1.2M valuation at Arizona, leveraging the massive digital footprint of the James family brand. Even as he prepares for his collegiate debut, his marketing potential remains among the highest in the country due to his elite shooting form and massive social media reach.
- Team: Arizona Wildcats
- Position: Guard
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Social Media Followers: 3.4M+
16. Morez Johnson
F, Michigan | $1.1M

Morez Johnson Jr. has seen his draft stock and NIL valuation climb to $1.1M as he anchors the interior for Michigan. As a highly productive sophomore with "Lotto Pick" potential, his brand is driven by his elite rebounding rates and high-efficiency defensive impact in the Big Ten.
- Team: Michigan Wolverines
- Position: Forward
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Riverdale, Illinois
- Social Media Followers: 25,000+
17. Tyler Tanner
G, Vanderbilt | $1.0M

Tyler Tanner has emerged as a breakout star in the SEC, securing a $1.0M valuation through his elite assist-to-turnover ratio. Leading the nation’s power conference guards in block and steal rates for his size, his high-IQ play has made him a primary brand ambassador in the Nashville market.
- Team: Vanderbilt Commodores
- Position: Guard
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee
- Social Media Followers: 15,000+
18. Chris Cenac
C, Houston | $950K

Chris Cenac Jr. carries a $950K valuation at Houston, reportedly securing a high-value entry deal as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft class. His massive upside as a defensive anchor for the Cougars' physical system keeps him at the forefront of the Big 12's market leaders.
- Team: Houston Cougars
- Position: Center
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Social Media Followers: 30,000+
19. Mikel Brown Jr.
G, Louisville | $900K

Mikel Brown Jr. has injected elite playmaking into Louisville, earning a $900K valuation as a five-star freshman. A McDonald's All-American with gold medal experience, his high-scoring ability and commitment to program culture have made him a focal point for the Cardinals' NIL resurgence.
- Team: Louisville Cardinals
- Position: Guard
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Orlando, Florida
- Social Media Followers: 85,000+
20. Bruce Thornton
G, Ohio State | $850K

Bruce Thornton remains a pillar of consistency in Columbus, maintaining an $850K valuation as a Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 finalist. As a veteran captain, his high retention value and leadership in the Big Ten have made him a staple for long-term brand collaborations in the Ohio market.
- Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
- Position: Guard
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
- Social Media Followers: 20,000+
21. Hansel Enmanuel
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Austin Peay Governors

Position: Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown:
Kissimmee, Florida

Social Media Followers: 4.2 million
22. Koa Peat
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arizona Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

Social Media Followers: 63,000
23. Bennett Stirtz
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Liberty, Missouri

Social Media Followers: 11,000
24. Kiyan Anthony
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Syracuse Orange

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Middle Village, New York

Social Media Followers: 1.34 million
25. Darius Acuff
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arkansas Razorbacks

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Social Media Followers: 47,433
26. Ryan Conwell
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Louisville Cardinals

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Social Media Followers: 1,833
27. Jaden Bradley
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arizona Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Rochester, New York

Social Media Followers: 33,800
28. Keyshawn Hall
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Auburn Tigers

Position: Small Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Social Media Followers: 60,300
29. Brayden Burries
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arizona Wildcats

Position: Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Riverside, California

Social Media Followers: 21,200
30. Meleek Thomas
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arkansas Razorbacks

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Social Media Followers: 50,000
31. Alijah Arenas
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: USC Trojans

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Chatsworth, California

Social Media Followers: 69,000
32. Alex Karaban
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: UConn Huskies

Position: Small Forward

Class: Redshirt-Senior

Hometown: New Hampton, New Hampshire

Social Media Followers: 23,800
33. Isiah Harwell
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Houston Cougars

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho

Social Media Followers: 15,400
34. Tounde Yessoufou
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Baylor Bears

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Santa Maria, California

Social Media Followers: 25,300
35. Kingston Flemings
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Houston Cougars

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Social Media Followers: 8,700
36. Andrej Stojakovic
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Illinois Fighting Illini

Position: Small Forward

Class: Junior

Hometown: Carmichael, California

Social Media Followers: 65,300
37. Flory Bidunga
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Power Forward

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Social Media Followers: 37,954
38. Braylon Mullins
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: UConn Huskies

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Greenfield, Indiana

Social Media Followers: 8,700
39. Shaqir O'Neal
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Sacramento State Hornets

Position: Small Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: McDonough, Georgia

Social Media Followers: 4.31 million
40. Cayden Boozer
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Duke Blue Devils

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Miami Florida

Social Media Followers: 72,100
41. Thomas Haugh
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Florida Gators

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Hometown: Pennsburg, Pennsylvania

Social Media Followers: 3,340
42. Ja'Kobi Gillespie
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Tennessee Volunteers

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Greeneville, Tennessee

Social Media Followers: 12,900
43. Malik Reneau
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Miami Hurricanes

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Hialeah, Florida

Social Media Followers: 24,700
44. Boogie Fland
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Florida Gators

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Harlem, New York

Social Media Followers: 88,000
45. Shelton Henderson
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Miami Hurricanes

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Social Media Followers: 12,200
46. Donovan Dent
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: UCLA Bruins

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Corona, California

Social Media Followers: 34,400
47. Darrion Williams
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: NC State Wolfpack

Position: Small Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Greeneville, Tennessee

Social Media Followers: 20,000
48. Jalen Haralson
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Anderson, Indiana

Social Media Followers: 21,500
49. Trey McKenney
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Michigan Wolverines

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Flint, Michigan

Social Media Followers: 28,600
50. Rienk Mast
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Position: Power Forward

Class: Redshirt-Senior

Hometown: Groningen, Netherlands

Social Media Followers: 1,400
51. Dwayne Aristode
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arizona Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Social Media Followers: 3,400
52. Emanuel Sharp
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Houston Cougars

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Redshirt-Senior

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Social Media Followers: 9,487
53. Jasper Johnson
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Social Media Followers: 78,500
54. Tamin Lipsey
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Iowa State Cyclones

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Ames, Iowa

Social Media Followers: 12,903
55. Darius Adams
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Maryland Terrapins

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Social Media Followers: 13,974
56. Zuby Ejiofor
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: St. John's Red Storm

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Garland, Texas

Social Media Followers: 8,044
57. Boopie Miller
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: SMU Mustangs

Position: Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Bradenton, Florida

Social Media Followers: 241,600
58. Matt Able
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: NC State Wolfpack

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Social Media Followers: N/A
59. Shon Abaev
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Cincinnati Bearcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Social Media Followers: 463
60. Malachi Moreno
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Georgetown, Kentucky

Social Media Followers: 13,700
61. Rob Wright
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: BYU Cougars

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Hometown:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Social Media Followers: 30,703
62. Henri Veesaar
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Power Forward

Class: Redshirt-Junior

Hometown:
Tallin, Estonia

Social Media Followers: 4,800
63. Eric Reibe
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: UConn Huskies

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown:
Potomac, Maryland

Social Media Followers: 3,089
64. Nikola Bundalo
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Ole Miss Rebels

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

Hometown:
Uniontown, Ohio

Social Media Followers: 26,300
65. Chad Baker-Mazara
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: USC Trojans

Position: Small Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown:
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Social Media Followers: 22,800
66. Christian Anderson
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Social Media Followers: 7,300
67. Sadiq White
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Syracuse Orange

Position: Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Social Media Followers: 42,000+
68. London Jemison
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Alabama Crimson Tide

Position: Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Bloomfield, Connecticut

Social Media Followers: 31,500+
69. Nick Martinelli
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Northwestern Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Glenview, Illinois

Social Media Followers: 12,400+
70. Pryce Sandfort
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Position: Guard

Class: Junior

Hometown: Waukee, Iowa

Social Media Followers: 18,700+
College Basketball NILmatic State of Mind
As of February 5, 2026, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) economy has shifted from a chaotic "Wild West" into a structured, billion-dollar marketplace. While NIL Collectives remain the dominant force, the rise of direct school payments and revenue sharing has redefined how star athletes are valued.
2026 College Basketball Hot 70 NIL Rankings
The 2026 Market Shift: From "Wild West" to Formal Economy

The mid-season landscape for Men's College Basketball (CBB) reveals a major degree of professionalization in the market. While NIL Collectives still account for over 80% of total athlete compensation, star freshmen like Tounde Yessoufou (pictured above), Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are seeing a spike in "Commercial Equity"—high-value partnerships driven by high social media engagement and national brand recognition.

February 5th | Key Market Trends
- The "Stay-in-School" Multiplier: Proven juniors like JT Toppin are now commanding "lottery-level" compensation packages to remain in the college system, a direct result of schools utilizing new revenue-sharing models to prevent early NBA entry.
- Diversified Blue-Chip Portfolios: National powerhouses like T-Mobile, SeatGeek, and Invisalign have moved beyond one-off posts to build long-term, multi-athlete CBB campaigns that prioritize digital reach and direct fan interaction.
- Institutionalized Compliance: The newly established NIL Go centralized review system has now cleared over 17,000 unique deals. This regulatory oversight ensures that valuations for the Top 70 remain "market-based," effectively ending the era of unregulated "shady booster" activity.
Tournament Window Outlook

With the tournament window approaching, we expect extreme market volatility. Performance "triggers" tied to March Madness success and deep postseason runs are poised to cause a massive reshuffle in the final Top 100 rankings.

Cameron Boozer & Tounde Yessoufou Pace 2026 Men’s College Basketball Top 70 NIL Rankings

The 2026 Market Shift: From "Wild West" to Formal Economy

February 5th | Key Market Trends

Tournament Window Outlook

SF, BYU | $4.4M

PF, Texas Tech | $2.9M

PF, Michigan | $2.3M

PF, Duke | $1.8M

PF, Kentucky | $2.0M

PF, North Carolina | $1.7M

SG, Kansas State | $1.7M

PG, Alabama | $1.7M

CG, Kentucky | $1.6M

PG, Purdue | $1.8M

G, Kansas | $1.5M

PG, Michigan State | $1.4M

C, Gonzaga | $1.3M

F, Tennessee | $1.2M

SG, Arizona | $1.2M

F, Michigan | $1.1M

G, Vanderbilt | $1.0M

C, Houston | $950K

G, Louisville | $900K

G, Ohio State | $850K

The 2026 Market Shift: From "Wild West" to Formal Economy

February 5th | Key Market Trends

Tournament Window Outlook

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