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Top 66 Men’s College Basketball NIL Rankings: $4.4M AJ Dybantsa Leads 2026 List

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

The State of CBB NIL: 2026 Season Outlook
Our January 29th rankings highlight a significant shift: NIL Collectives still drive over 80% of the market, but "Commercial Equity" deals (social media and appearances) are growing for star freshmen like Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

Key Takeaways for 2026
- The "Stay-in-School" Premium: Elite juniors like JT Toppin are now earning "lottery pick money" to remain in college rather than entering the NBA early.
- Brand Diversification: National brands such as T-Mobile, SeatGeek, and Invisalign have expanded their CBB portfolios, focusing on athletes with high engagement.
- Centralized Compliance: Over 17,000 deals have now been cleared through the new centralized review system, ensuring "market-based" compensation for the Top 65.
What’s Next?

As the tournament window approaches, expect these valuations to fluctuate based on "March Madness" performance triggers.
Top 65 College Basketball NIL Rankings: $4.4M AJ Dybantsa Leads 2026 List
Top 65 Men's College Basketball NIL Rankings
- As of late January 2026, the college basketball NIL market has entered a new era of "Revenue-Share Equity," with top-tier valuations now exceeding $4 million. This update analyzes the 65 most valuable active players based on updated market data, roster value, and national endorsement volume following the January 23rd compliance deadline.
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, Memphis | $1.7M
- PJ Haggerty remains one of the most bankable guards in the country with a $1.7M market value. His portfolio includes significant local deals with the Memphis Redbirds and the Bluff City NIL collective, proving that high-volume scorers can command elite-tier earnings outside of the "Power 4".
- 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
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
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Team: Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Combo Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Canton, Ohio

Social Media Followers: 26,500
12. Jeremy Fears
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Michigan State Spartans

Position: Point Guard

Class: Junior

Hometown: Joliet, Illinois

Social Media Followers: 65,200
13. Graham Ike
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Gonzaga Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Aurora, Colorado

Social Media Followers: 8,400
14. Nate Ament
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Tennessee Volunteers

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Manassas, Virginia

Social Media Followers: 14,300
15. Bryce James
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Arizona Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Social Media Followers: 3.4 million
16. Morez Johnson
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Michigan Wolverines

Position: Power Forward

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Social Media Followers: 22,900
17. Tyler Tanner
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee

Social Media Followers: 5,174
18. Chris Cenac
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Houston Cougars

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

Social Media Followers: 14,100
19. Mikel Brown Jr.
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Louisville Cardinals

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Hometown:
Orlando, Florida

Social Media Followers: 50,300
65. Bruce Thornton
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia

Social Media Followers: 63,000
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
The State of CBB NIL: 2026 Season Outlook
Our January 29th rankings highlight a significant shift: NIL Collectives still drive over 80% of the market, but "Commercial Equity" deals (social media and appearances) are growing for star freshmen like Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

Key Takeaways for 2026
- The "Stay-in-School" Premium: Elite juniors like JT Toppin are now earning "lottery pick money" to remain in college rather than entering the NBA early.
- Brand Diversification: National brands such as T-Mobile, SeatGeek, and Invisalign have expanded their CBB portfolios, focusing on athletes with high engagement.
- Centralized Compliance: Over 17,000 deals have now been cleared through the new centralized review system, ensuring "market-based" compensation for the Top 65.
What’s Next?

As the tournament window approaches, expect these valuations to fluctuate based on "March Madness" performance triggers.
Top 65 College Basketball NIL Rankings: $4.4M AJ Dybantsa Leads 2026 List
Top 65 Men's College Basketball NIL Rankings
- As of late January 2026, the college basketball NIL market has entered a new era of "Revenue-Share Equity," with top-tier valuations now exceeding $4 million. This update analyzes the 65 most valuable active players based on updated market data, roster value, and national endorsement volume following the January 23rd compliance deadline.

Top 66 Men’s College Basketball NIL Rankings: $4.4M AJ Dybantsa Leads 2026 List

Key Takeaways for 2026

What’s Next?

Top 65 Men's College Basketball NIL Rankings

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, Memphis | $1.7M

PG, Alabama | $1.7M

Denzel Aberdeen | CG, Kentucky | $1.6M

PG, Purdue | $1.8M

Key Takeaways for 2026

What’s Next?

Top 65 Men's College Basketball NIL Rankings

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