College basketball’s landscape is shifting fast. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations are now a big part of the story, shaping the sport’s future in real time.
The latest NIL Top 100 Men’s College Basketball Rankings are out. There’s a wild mix of established stars and fresh faces—some you know, others you might want to keep an eye on.
This piece takes a closer look at the top-ranked players. We’ll check out their stats, social media clout, and what they might bring to the next season.
Top Players in the NIL Rankings
The NIL Top 100 is packed with talent, but it’s not just about what happens on the court. These players know how to connect with fans and build a brand, which is half the battle these days.
Let’s dig into a few of the standouts:
JT Toppin: Leading the Pack
JT Toppin from Texas Tech Red Raiders sits at the top of the 2025 NIL rankings with a $2.8 million valuation. As a sophomore power forward, Toppin averages 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
He’s got 18,400 followers on social media, which definitely helps his marketability.
Yaxel Lendeborg: A Senior Sensation
Michigan Wolverines’ senior power forward, Yaxel Lendeborg, is right behind with a $2.3 million valuation. Lendeborg puts up 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.
With 46,100 followers, he’s clearly got fans watching his every move.
Boogie Fland: The Freshman Phenomenon
Florida Gators’ freshman point guard, Boogie Fland, is ranked third at $2.1 million. He’s already making noise with 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
His 88,000 social media followers prove he’s got serious appeal.
Rising Stars and Social Media Influencers
It’s not just the top three making waves. Several other players are turning heads, both for their game and their online presence.
Donovan Dent: UCLA’s Junior Dynamo
UCLA Bruins’ junior point guard, Donovan Dent, lands fourth with a $2 million valuation. He averages 20.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
With 34,400 followers, Dent’s influence keeps growing.
Jayden Quaintance: Kentucky’s Freshman Force
Kentucky Wildcats’ freshman power forward, Jayden Quaintance, also holds a $2 million valuation. He’s putting up 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game.
Only 6,200 followers so far, but his game speaks for itself.
Braden Smith: Purdue’s Point Guard Prodigy
Purdue Boilermakers’ junior point guard, Braden Smith, is valued at $1.9 million. Smith averages 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
He’s also got 35,600 followers—pretty solid for a college guard.
Players to Watch
Some names might not be at the top yet, but they could be soon. These players have the potential to make a serious impact.
Moustapha Thiam: Cincinnati’s Defensive Anchor
Moustapha Thiam, a freshman center for the Cincinnati Bearcats, is valued at $1.7 million. Thiam is a defensive force with 2.6 blocks, plus 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
His social media following is just 933, but on the court, he’s hard to ignore.
Oscar Cluff: Purdue’s Senior Standout
Purdue’s senior power forward Oscar Cluff also comes in at $1.7 million. He’s putting up 17.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game.
Cluff only has 992 followers, but his stats do a lot of the talking.
PJ Haggerty: Kansas State’s Scoring Machine
Kansas State Wildcats’ redshirt sophomore shooting guard, PJ Haggerty, is valued at $1.7 million. He leads the team with 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
Haggerty’s got 5,300 followers, which should only go up if he keeps scoring like this.
Impact of Social Media on NIL Valuations
Social media is a huge driver for NIL value. Players with big followings can score more endorsements and partnerships—sometimes it feels like that’s almost as important as points per game.
Ian Jackson: St. John’s Social Media Star
St. John’s Red Storm’s freshman shooting guard, Ian Jackson, is valued at $1.5 million. He’s averaging 11.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.
But get this—he’s got 182,200 followers. That’s a massive audience for any college athlete.
Cameron Boozer: Duke’s Emerging Talent
Duke Blue Devils’ freshman power forward, Cameron Boozer, is also valued at $1.5 million. His social media following is already at 133,154, which is honestly pretty wild for a freshman.
Caleb Wilson: North Carolina’s Promising Freshman
North Carolina Tar Heels’ freshman power forward, Caleb Wilson, is another name to remember. He’s got 21,300 followers, and there’s a sense he could break out in a big way soon.
Conclusion
The NIL Top 100 Men’s College Basketball Rankings offer a unique window into the current landscape of college hoops. It’s not just about who can dunk or hit a clutch three anymore.
Players are building their brands, making waves on social media, and cashing in on their marketability. The lines between on-court skill and off-court influence have never felt blurrier—or more interesting.
If you’re curious about the full list or want to see where your favorite player landed, check out the full article on SportsGrid.
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