As the 2026 college football season creeps closer, the energy is almost electric. Everyone’s talking about the college football stars whose Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations are shooting up to wild new levels.
Let’s take a look at the top NIL valuations and the players who are grabbing headlines both on the field and in their bank accounts. From Arch Manning’s famous last name to Jeremiah Smith’s jaw-dropping performances, there’s a lot to unpack about who’s making waves—and cash—this season.
Arch Manning: The Heir to a Football Dynasty
Arch Manning is the latest in the Manning football family, and his name carries a lot of weight—maybe too much, honestly. His On3 NIL valuation sits at an eye-popping $5.4 million, making him the highest-valued college athlete in any sport for 2026.
That number actually peaked at $6.8 million last year, which just shows how much hype and marketability he brings to the table. The Manning name alone is basically a brand at this point.
The Power of the Manning Brand
His grandfather, Archie Manning, and his uncles, Peyton and Eli, have eight Super Bowl rings between them. That kind of legacy opens doors, and Arch has inked deals with big names like:
- Red Bull
- Panini America
- EA Sports
- Raising Cane’s
- Vuori
- Warby Parker
- Google Gemini
Those partnerships brought him over $3.5 million in verified NIL earnings in 2025, according to Opendorse. On the field, though, his 2025 stats—3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 picks—haven’t quite matched the sky-high expectations yet.
The 2026 Season: Make or Break
This season feels huge for Manning. If he can step up and lead Texas into the College Football Playoff conversation, his current valuation might even look like a steal.
If he stalls, though, people will start questioning whether all those brand deals were worth it. The pressure’s definitely on for him to prove he’s more than just a famous last name.
Jeremiah Smith: The Tape Doesn’t Lie
Jeremiah Smith’s valuation isn’t built on hype—it’s built on what he’s actually done. He’s sitting at a $4.2 million On3 valuation, the highest for any non-quarterback in college football.
His freshman year in 2024 was ridiculous—he broke FBS records for freshman receivers and even snagged Rose Bowl MVP. Sophomore year? Just as good, maybe better.
Record-Breaking Performances
Smith’s sophomore stats are straight-up impressive:
- 87 catches
- 1,243 yards
- 12 touchdowns
- 14.3 yards per reception
He was a unanimous All-American and named Big Ten Receiver of the Year. Even though Ohio State’s 2025 season fizzled at the end, Smith’s level never dropped—he kept balling out.
2026: A Final College Chapter
He’s projected as the first receiver taken in the 2027 NFL Draft, so this is probably his last college run. There’s a real shot for him to cement his legacy and maybe lead Ohio State to a national title.
His valuation isn’t just about what he could do—it’s about what he’s already proven. He’s one of the most exciting players to watch this year, hands down.
Dante Moore: The Road Less Traveled
Dante Moore’s choice to come back to college instead of jumping to the NFL was unexpected. He’s valued at $3 million by On3, good for fifth in the country.
Moore decided to stick with Oregon, passing up a $52.4 million guaranteed contract from the New York Jets. That move alone has the Ducks listed as +900 fifth favorites for the national championship at Bovada.
The Impact of Moore’s Decision
Moore’s return shakes things up:
- Oregon’s title odds get a real boost
- His own marketability and NIL value go up
- Other college athletes might start reconsidering early NFL jumps
He clearly believes there’s unfinished business in college, for himself and for Oregon. That story resonates with fans and brands—people love a player who bets on himself, right?
2026: A Season to Prove
Now, Moore’s got to back up his decision on the field. Everyone will be watching to see if he can deliver and make that gamble pay off.
If he does, his NIL value could climb even higher. He’s a fascinating case in how college sports and NIL are changing, honestly.
Brendan Sorsby and Sam Leavitt: Rising Stars
Brendan Sorsby and Sam Leavitt are two more names you’ll want to remember this season. Sorsby, now at Texas Tech, comes in with a $3.1 million valuation.
Leavitt, who just landed at LSU, is already valued at $4 million.
Brendan Sorsby: A New Chapter at Texas Tech
Sorsby’s transfer to Texas Tech puts him in a fresh spotlight. His valuation shows there’s real belief he can make a difference in a new setting.
How he performs could be a big factor in whether Texas Tech surprises people this year.
Sam Leavitt: LSU’s New Hope
Leavitt’s arrival at LSU comes with plenty of hype. That $4 million valuation says a lot about how much faith there is in his ability to step in and make an immediate impact.
LSU’s looking to bounce back, and honestly, a lot rides on what Leavitt can do right out of the gate.
Conclusion: The Future of NIL in College Football
The stories of Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, Dante Moore, Brendan Sorsby, and Sam Leavitt say a lot about where college football is headed. NIL valuations are changing things in ways we probably couldn’t have guessed a few years ago.
These players aren’t just making noise on the field. They’re also shaking up what it means to be a college athlete off the field—sometimes in ways that feel a bit unpredictable.
If you’re curious about who’s leading the pack in NIL valuations as the 2026 season creeps closer, check out the Business of College Sports. There’s a lot more detail there if you want to dig in.
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