In recent years, college football’s landscape has been flipped on its head by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Athletes can now earn serious money while still in school.
Some players are actually sticking around longer, putting off the NFL for another season or two. It’s a wild shift, especially when you see high-profile quarterbacks turning down the pros to stay in college.
There are cases where these athletes could make more from NIL than they’d get as NFL rookies. It’s a strange new world, honestly.
The Impact of NIL on College Football
NIL deals have totally changed college sports, especially football. Before, the NFL was the only real way for college stars to cash in.
Now, athletes can profit from their fame before they ever play a down in the NFL. That’s a big deal.
Key Players Turning Down the NFL
Some top quarterback prospects are saying “no thanks” to the NFL, at least for now. Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and LaNorris Sellers are a few big names sticking with college.
It’s not just about the money, but let’s be real—lucrative NIL deals make the decision a lot easier for them. The college game suddenly looks a lot more appealing.
Financial Comparisons: NIL vs. NFL Rookie Contracts
Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman pointed out something that would’ve sounded ridiculous a few years ago: some college athletes might actually make less money in the NFL than they do in school.
This is a real dilemma for top players now. It’s hard to believe, but here we are.
Case Study: Quinn Ewers
Take Quinn Ewers, the former Texas quarterback. He was picked by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft and got a rookie deal worth about $4.3 million.
But there were rumors—unconfirmed, but still—that he had an NIL offer as high as $8 million. That’s a pretty eye-popping gap.
Case Study: Ty Simpson
Then there’s Ty Simpson, who played for Alabama. Word is, Miami dangled a $6.5 million NIL offer in front of him.
Even with that, Simpson chose to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. His agent, Peter Webb, said those NIL numbers kept going up, maybe even hitting eight figures.
But Simpson wanted to chase his NFL dream and get one more season in with the Crimson Tide. Sometimes, it’s not just about the paycheck.
Implications for the NFL and College Football
NIL deals are shaking things up for both the NFL and college football. The NFL might have to rethink rookie contracts if it wants to keep up with what college athletes can make now.
For college football, this means star players might stick around longer. That could boost the quality of the game and keep fans more engaged.
Potential Changes in NFL Draft Dynamics
The NFL Draft, starting next Thursday, April 23, is bound to get interesting. Financial incentives are now a real factor in whether athletes go pro.
Teams might have to look at more than just talent—they’ll need to figure out what motivates these prospects, too. Money talks, but so do dreams.
Long-Term Effects on College Sports
Looking ahead, NIL income could spread talent out more evenly across different schools. Smaller programs might land big names who want to stand out and build their brand where there’s less competition.
Star athletes staying longer could make college football even more competitive—and honestly, a lot more fun to watch.
Conclusion
The rise of NIL deals has totally shaken up college football. Athletes like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and LaNorris Sellers are sticking around, and honestly, who can blame them?
The money in college sports is starting to look a lot more tempting than what some rookies might get in the NFL. Just look at Quinn Ewers and Ty Simpson—there’s real cash on the table for staying put.
It’s wild to think how this could change everything for both the NFL and college football. Where does it all go from here? Hard to say, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
For more details, check out the original article on Yahoo Sports.
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