NCAAB · 6 months ago

NIL Top 70 Rankings 2026: Cameron Boozer, Josh Hoover, and the New Power Elite

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

70. Carter Smith
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Indiana Hoosiers

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Offensive Tackle

Class: Redshirt Senior

Social Media Followers: 5,300
1. Arch Manning
QB, Texas | $5.4M
- Arch Manning continues his reign at #1 as he enters his senior season with the Longhorns. He remains the highest-valued athlete in college sports, primarily driven by his "Legacy Brand" status and premium partnerships with Red Bull and Waymo.
- Program: Texas Longhorns
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 512,400
2. AJ Dybantsa
SF, BYU | $4.4M

AJ Dybantsa holds the second spot overall and is the top-earning basketball player in the nation. His valuation is anchored by a historic $7M multi-year NIL commitment that secured his pledge to BYU for the 2026 season.
- Program: BYU Cougars
- Class: Freshman
- Collegiate Sport: Basketball
- Position: Small Forward
- Social Media Followers: 834,900
3. Jeremiah Smith
WR, Ohio State | $4.2M
- Jeremiah Smith enters 2026 as the most decorated receiver in college football. His value sits at $4.2M, the highest ever for a wide receiver, supported by a standout sophomore campaign and a major co-cover role for College Football 26.
- Program: Ohio State Buckeyes
- Class: Sophomore
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Social Media Followers: 875,000
4. Sam Leavitt
QB, LSU | $4.0M
- Sam Leavitt has climbed to #4 following his blockbuster transfer to LSU. Taking over the starting role in Baton Rouge, his move to the SEC "prime-time" window, and a revamped Tigers collective pushed his market value to $4M.
- Program: LSU Tigers
- Class: Redshirt-Sophomore
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 38,500
5. Brendan Sorsby
QB, Texas Tech | $3.1M
- Brendan Sorsby is one of the biggest risers of the cycle, moving up with a $3.1M valuation. His final year of eligibility at Texas Tech is backed by a landmark $6M total package designed to bypass traditional collective funding hurdles.
- Program: Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Class: Senior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 8,500
6. Bryce Underwood
QB, Michigan | $3.1M
- Bryce Underwood enters his sophomore season with a $3.1M market value. His funding model remains unique in 2026, supported by a private-equity-style $12M four-year package from high-profile donors in Ann Arbor.
- Program: Michigan Wolverines
- Class: Freshman
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 313,000
7. Dante Moore
QB, OREGON | $3.0M

Dante Moore remains one of the highest-valued athletes in the country, with his NIL valuation currently sitting at an impressive $3 million. As the most valuable player on Dan Lanning’s roster, Moore’s market appeal is bolstered by his high-upside talent and his association with the global Oregon/Nike brand. His national ranking (No. 6 overall) reflects his status as a premier signal-caller in the Big Ten era.
- Program: Oregon Ducks
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 85,000+
8. JT Toppin
PF, Texas Tech | $2.9M
- JT Toppin represents the elite "stay-in-school" market, commanding a $2.9M valuation. By opting to return for his junior season at Texas Tech, he is earning "lottery pick money" through a package that rivals his potential NBA rookie salary.
- Program: Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Basketball
- Position: Power Forward
- Social Media Followers: 18,400
9. Cam Coleman
WR, Texas | $2.9M
- Cam Coleman takes a top-ten spot after his high-profile transfer to join Arch Manning at Texas. His valuation hit nearly $3M this month as he secured new national deals with Nike and SeatGeek ahead of the 2026 spring window.
- Program: Auburn Tigers
- Class: Sophomore
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Social Media Followers: 65,100
10. LaNorris Sellers
QB, South Carolina | $2.7M
- LaNorris Sellers rounds out the top tier after shocking many by passing on the NFL to return to South Carolina for 2026. Now a redshirt junior, Sellers is valued at $2.2M, bolstered by his dual-threat production and a new NIL agreement designed to keep him in Columbia for another title run.
- 2025 NIL Valuation: $2.5 million
- Program: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Class: Redshirt-Sophomore
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 74,400
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
11. Julian Sayin
QB, Ohio State | $2.6M
- Julian Sayin hovers around the top 10 as the starter for the Buckeyes. After a "historically accurate" debut season where he completed 77% of his passes, Sayin’s valuation has climbed to $2.4M, reflecting his position as the centerpiece of a prolific Ohio State offense.
- Program: Ohio State Buckeyes
- Class: Senior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 75,600
12. Drew Mestemaker
QB, Oklahoma State | $2.5M

Drew Mestemaker enters the 2026 season as one of the most profitable transfers in the country, carrying a $2.5 million NIL valuation to Stillwater. While his market estimate is elite, his actual compensation is reportedly even higher; Mestemaker and Oklahoma State agreed to a landmark two-year deal worth $3.5 million for 2026. The package is set to be funded entirely by a single private donor.
- Program: Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 15,000+
13. Dylan Stewart
EDGE, South Carolina | $2.5M

Dylan Stewart is set to be one of the highest-paid defensive players in the nation for 2026, holding a lucrative $2.5 million NIL valuation. The All-SEC edge rusher confirmed his return to the Gamecocks with a "Run It Back" social media post, securing his spot as a cornerstone of the program's defensive and financial identity. Stewart’s elite pass-rushing metrics (11 sacks over two seasons) have made him a priority for high-value collective deals.
- Program: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: EDGE
- Social Media Followers: 39,000+
14. Josh Hoover
QB, Indiana | $2.3M

Josh Hoover officially enters the 2026 season as the new face of the Indiana Hoosiers after transferring from TCU. His valuation remains among the highest in the Big Ten at $2.3 million, and reports indicate that Indiana likely paid a premium to secure his commitment by outbidding several SEC competitors. Hoover, who was originally committed to Indiana out of high school, is viewed as the ideal successor to Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, bringing over 9,600 career passing yards to Bloomington.
- Program: Indiana Hoosiers
- Class: RS-Senior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 13,000
15. Cameron Boozer
PF, Duke | $2.2M

Cameron Boozer has immediately emerged as a top-3 earner in college basketball, carrying a $2.2 million valuation as a true freshman. His portfolio is headlined by a major NIL deal with Jordan Brand, a partnership that aligns with his status as a projected top-tier pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Boozer currently leads the Player of the Year ladder and ranks 15th overall in the national NIL 100.
- Program: Duke Blue Devils
- Class: Freshman
- Collegiate Sport: Basketball
- Position: Power Forward
- Social Media Followers: 133,000
16. Jayden Maiava
QB, USC | $2.1M

Jayden Maiava holds a reported NIL valuation of $2.1 million, making him one of the most commercially valuable signal-callers in the Big Ten. After leading the Trojans to a 9-3 regular season with 3,431 passing yards, Maiava officially bypassed the NFL Draft to return to Los Angeles. His role as the engine of Lincoln Riley’s offense reinforces USC's massive commercial footprint in recruiting.
- Program: USC Trojans
- Class: RS-Senior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 4,400
17. Yaxel Lendeborg
PF, Michigan | $2.1M

Yaxel Lendeborg has capitalized on his elite versatility, moving from UAB to Michigan, where he now leads the Wolverines in scoring and rebounding. After setting program records for double-doubles, Lendeborg has translated his on-court dominance into a significant NIL presence in the Big Ten market. His ability to fill five major statistical categories makes him one of the most reliable and marketable big men in college basketball.
- Program: Michigan Wolverines
- Class: Graduate Student
- Collegiate Sport: Basketball
- Position: Power Forward
- Social Media Followers: 25,000+
18. Jayden Quaintance
PF, Kentucky | $2.0M

Jayden Quaintance has come full circle, now serving as the $2 million cornerstone of the Kentucky frontcourt after a high-profile transfer from Arizona State. As one of the top-ranked NIL earners in college basketball, Quaintance’s valuation is bolstered by long-standing national deals with Panini America and PSD Underwear. Despite being sidelined recently due to knee swelling following an earlier ACL recovery, he remains a premier 2026 NBA Draft prospect and the youngest star in the "NIL 100" top 25.
- Program: Kentucky Wildcats
- Class: Sophomore
- Collegiate Sport: Basketball
- Position: Power Forward
- Social Media Followers: 6,200
19. DJ Lagway
QB, Baylor | $2.0M

DJ Lagway has officially ended one of the most publicized recruitment cycles of the 2026 transfer window by signing with Baylor. The former Florida starter, who threw for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025, returns to his home state to play for the program where his father also starred. Despite entering the portal during a coaching transition in Gainesville, Lagway remains an NIL powerhouse with an estimated $2 million valuation. His elite portfolio is headlined by historic partnerships with Jordan Brand—as their first collegiate quarterback—alongside major deals with Gatorade, Red Bull, and Mercedes-Benz.
- Program: Baylor Bears
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 105,000+
20. Dylan Raiola
2026 NIL Valuation: $2 million

Program: Oregon Ducks

Class: Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 201,000
21. Darian Mensah
2026 NIL Valuation: $1.9 million

Program: Miami Hurricanes

Class: Redshirt-Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 29,600
22. Jackson Cantwell
2026 NIL Valuation: $1.9 Million

Program: Miami Hurricanes (Signed for 2026)

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Offensive Tackle

Social Media Followers: 14,900
23. Marcel Reed
2026 NIL Valuation: $1.9 million

Program: Texas A&M Aggies

Class: Redshirt-Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 90,900
24. Beau Pribula
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.8 million

Program: Virginia Cavaliers

Class: Redshirt-Junior

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 41,600
25. Cutter Boley
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.8 million

Program: Arizona State Sun Devils

Class: Freshman

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 18,834
26. David Stone
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: Oklahoma Sooners

Class: Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Defensive Lineman

Social Media Followers: 57,800
27. Jordan Seaton
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: LSU Tigers

Class: Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Offensive Tackle

Social Media Followers: 79,930
28. Caleb Wilson
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: North Carolina Tar Heels

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Power Forward

Social Media Followers: 21,300
29. PJ Haggerty
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: Kansas State Wildcats

Class: Redshirt-Junior

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Shooting Guard

Social Media Followers: 6,085
30. Jared Curtis
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: Vanderbilt Commodores (Signed for 2026)

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 26,600
31. Tyran Stokes
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: Notre Dame High School

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Small Forward

Social Media Followers: 151,700
32. Labaron Philon
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.7 million

Program: Alabama Crimson Tide

Class: Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Social Media Followers: 38,400
33. John Mateer
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Oklahoma Sooners

Class: Redshirt-Junior

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 45,500
34. Mason Heintschel
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Pitt Panthers

Class: Freshman

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 349,300
35. Diego Pounds
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Ole Miss Rebels

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Offensive Tackle

Social Media Followers: 24,200
36. Denzel Aberdeen
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Kentucky Wildcats

Class: Senior

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard

Social Media Followers: N/A
37. Byrum Brown
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Auburn Tigers

Class: Senior

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 3,100
38. Ryan Williams
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Alabama Crimson Tide

Class: Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Wide Receiver

Social Media Followers: 1,226,o00
39. Braden Smith
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: Purdue Boilermakers

Class: Senior

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Social Media Followers: 35,600
40. CJ Bailey
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.6 million

Program: NC State Wolfpack

Class: Sophomore

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 43,500
41. Flau'Jae Johnson
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.5 million

Program: LSU Tigers

Class: Senior

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard

Social Media Followers: 3.729 million
42. Kevin Concepcion
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.5 million

Program: Texas A&M Aggies

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Wide Receiver

Social Media Followers: 48,300
43. Darryn Peterson
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.5 million

Program: Kansas Jayhawks

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard

Social Media Followers: 26,500
44. Malik Washington
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.5 million

Program: Maryland Terrapins

Class: Freshman

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 12,000
45. Bruce Branch
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: Prolific Prep H.S.

Sport: Basketball

Position: Small Forward

Social Media Followers: N/A
46. Caleb Holt
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: Prolific Prep HS

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Shooting Guard

Social Media Followers: 3,600
47. Rocco Becht
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: Penn State Nittany Lions

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Social Media Followers: 26,900
48. Jeremy Fears
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: Michigan State Spartans

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Social Media Followers: 65,200
49. Graham Ike
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Team: Gonzaga Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Hometown: Aurora, Colorado

Social Media Followers: 8,400
50. Colin Simmons
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: Texas Longhorns

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: EDGE

Class: Sophomore

Social Media Followers: 191,000
51. Mark Bowman
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: USC Trojans

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Tight End

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 6,100
52. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.4 million

Program: California Golden Bears

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 8,100
53. Nate Ament
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.3 million

Program: Tennessee Volunteers

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 14,300
54. Bryce James
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.3 million

Program: Arizona Wildcats

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 3.42 million
55. Gunner Stockton
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.3 million

Program: Georgia Bulldogs

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Class: Redshirt-Senior

Social Media Followers: 41,100
56. Dylan Mingo
2025 NIL Valuation: $1.3 million

Program: Long Island Lutheran H.S.

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 5,937
57. Keelon Russell
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Alabama Crimson Tide

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 60,300
58. Morez Johnson Jr.
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Michigan Wolverines

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Social Media Followers: 23,000
59. Tyler Tanner
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Vanderbilt Commodores

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Social Media Followers: 5,174
60. Anthony Thompson
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Ohio State Buckeyes

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 2,069
61. Chris Cenac Jr.
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Houston Cougars

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

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

Program: Louisville Cardinals

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 50,300
63. 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+
64. Damon Wilson II
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Miami Hurricanes

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: EDGE

Class: Senior

Social Media Followers: 23,700
65. Felix Ojo
2026 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Offensive Tackle

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: 3,600
66. Bryson Howard
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Duke Blue Devils

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Social Media Followers: N/A
67. Hansel Enmanuel
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Austin Peay Governors

Collegiate Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Social Media Followers: 4.4 million
68. Kai Trump
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Miami Hurricanes (Commit)

Collegiate Sport: Golf

Position: Golfer

Social Media Followers: 5.4 million
69. CJ Carr
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Social Media Followers: 34,200
70. Carter Smith
2025 NIL Valuation: N/A

Program: Indiana Hoosiers

Collegiate Sport: Football

Position: Offensive Tackle

Class: Redshirt Senior

Social Media Followers: 5,300
1. Arch Manning
QB, Texas | $5.4M
- Arch Manning continues his reign at #1 as he enters his senior season with the Longhorns. He remains the highest-valued athlete in college sports, primarily driven by his "Legacy Brand" status and premium partnerships with Red Bull and Waymo.
- Program: Texas Longhorns
- Class: Junior
- Collegiate Sport: Football
- Position: Quarterback
- Social Media Followers: 512,400

NIL Top 70 Rankings 2026: Cameron Boozer, Josh Hoover, and the New Power Elite

QB, Texas | $5.4M

SF, BYU | $4.4M

WR, Ohio State | $4.2M

QB, LSU | $4.0M

QB, Texas Tech | $3.1M

QB, Michigan | $3.1M

QB, OREGON | $3.0M

PF, Texas Tech | $2.9M

WR, Texas | $2.9M

QB, South Carolina | $2.7M

QB, Ohio State | $2.6M

QB, Oklahoma State | $2.5M

EDGE, South Carolina | $2.5M

QB, Indiana | $2.3M

PF, Duke | $2.2M

QB, USC | $2.1M

PF, Michigan | $2.1M

PF, Kentucky | $2.0M

QB, Baylor | $2.0M

G, Ohio State | $850K

QB, Texas | $5.4M

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

EDITOR'S PICKS

For the Best of SportsGrid, Grab the App

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES