Arch Manning, Carson Beck, Jeremiah Smith and Top NIL Valuations amid CFB Media Days

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is projected to enter his first season as a full-time starter while ranked as the highest-paid player in college sports, according to On3 NIL Valuations.

On3, which combines estimated compensation from schools and collectives with reported licensing and sponsorship deals, projects Manning's value at $6.8 million heading into the 2025-26 academic year.

Here's a look at the top ten athletes in terms of NIL valuation and roster value, according to On3.

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On3 NIL Valuations Top Ten Athletes (as of July 16)

1. Arch Manning, QB, Texas football: $6.8 million

2. Carson Beck, QB, Miami football: $4.3 million

3. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State football: $4.2 million

4. A.J. Dybantsa, SF, BYU basketball: $4.1 million

5. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU football: $3.8 million

6. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina football: $3.7 million

7. DJ Lagway, QB, Florida football: $3.7 million

8. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson football: $3.4 million

9. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State football: $3.1 million

10. Sam Leavitt, QB, ASU football: $3.1 million

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Dybantsa, the potential top pick of the 2026 NBA draft, is the only non-football player ranked within the top 10. He recently signed a deal with Fanatics that the company described as one of the "most significant NIL deals ever," and which Sportico's Eric Jackson reported was worth eight figures.

Behind Dybantsa, Texas Tech's JT Toppin is the highest-paid non-quarterback player with an On3 valuation of $2.8 million.

Smith is the only non-quarterback football player to make the top ten. He lived up to his status as the top recruit in the 2024 class by setting Ohio State records with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches in his freshman season.

The rest of the list is dominated by quarterbacks. Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning, is projected to earn $2.5 million more than the second-ranked player.

Manning will be eligible for the 2026 NFL draft, as will Allar, Nussmeier, Klubnik, Sellers, Beck and Leavitt. Lagway will be draft-eligible in 2027.

The highest-ranked college athlete in women's sports is LSU basketball player Flau'jae Johnson, who holds a projected valuation of $1.5 million according to On3.