2027 CFB Recruits' Big NIL Earnings Revealed in New Report Detailing Modern Recruiting

At least five incoming high school seniors are on track to become millionaires after signing college football NIL deals this offseason.

ESPN's Eli Lederman reported that "at least five 2027 prospects are set to sign deals that will pay them more than $1 million in their first college season."

Out of ESPN's top 300 Class of 2027 recruits, 55 percent have already signed with programs, up from just over 45 percent at this point last year, per Lederman.

"Under the right circumstances, the only thing keeping a program from locking down a coveted recruit for the future early is a substantial financial investment," Lederman reported.

According to Lederman, NIL deals have changed the landscape of official spring visits, once understood as a critical aspect of the recruitment process and now paling in comparison to the importance of what financial offer the program can make.

Lederman reported that "multiple coaches and GMs told ESPN that they've trimmed their hosting budgets in recent years," although traditional aspects like photoshoots for recruits remain popular.

Official visits also sometimes never take place if school and player aren't aligned on NIL budget, according to Lederman. One agent told Lederman players' representatives want to know what the school is offering at least "a week or two" before taking an official visit.

The top 2027 prospect as ranked by 247Sports who has yet to commit to a program is cornerback John Meredith III, who is being pursued by programs including Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama and Miami.

How much NIL money these programs are able to offer Meredith will ultimately impact which school lands 247Sports' top-ranked cornerback in next year's class.