College football’s landscape has shifted dramatically with the arrival of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Players are now compensated in ways that would’ve seemed impossible just a few years ago.
The transfer portal is more influential than ever. Players know their worth and understand the financial perks that come with standout seasons.
Michigan Wolverines aren’t immune to these changes. There’s a handful of players who could see their NIL earnings explode if they deliver a strong fall camp and a big 2026 season.
Let’s talk about six Michigan players who might just make waves—on the field and in their bank accounts.
Linebacker Room: A New Era Begins
Michigan’s linebacker group is in the middle of a serious overhaul. They lost their top three linebackers from last year, so 2026 is looking like a fresh start.
One name that keeps popping up is Chase Taylor. He’s been pegged as a breakout candidate, but right now, his NIL deal is about $350,000 less than what Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng are getting.
If Taylor plays up to the hype this season, his NIL value could jump as he rolls into his junior year. That’s a big “if,” but the buzz is real.
The Potential of Bryce Underwood’s Passing Game
Last season, Michigan’s passing game was rough—28 dropped passes will do that. They needed to shake things up for quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Enter Salesi Moa, a five-star receiver who’s currently seventh in NIL earnings among Michigan’s wideouts. He’s not a lock to start, but he’s battling for the No. 3 spot with Jaime French.
If Moa wins that job, his NIL earnings could take off next year. It’s a crowded room, but he’s got a shot.
Cornerback Depth and Future Stars
Shamari Earls was once seen as the next big thing at cornerback for Michigan. Things didn’t quite go as planned, though—he got leapfrogged on the depth chart last season by freshmen Jayden Sanders and Elijah Dotson.
This year, Earls is healthy and likely to land as the No. 4 corner. With Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, and Smith Snowden probably moving on after this season, Earls could see his playing time—and his NIL value—rise fast.
Edge Rushers: The Rise of Lugard Edokpayi
There’s a lot of chatter around edge rusher Lugard Edokpayi. He’s got a reputation as a pass-rush specialist and, right now, he’s the seventh-highest-paid edge rusher on the roster.
Meanwhile, John Henry Daley and Cameron Brandt are pulling in over $1 million each in NIL money. If Edokpayi delivers this fall, he could see his market value surge.
Quarterback Depth: Tommy Carr’s Ascension
When Tommy Carr arrived at Michigan, most figured he’d be the third or fourth guy on the quarterback depth chart. But after a pretty impressive spring, he’s now sitting at No. 2, right behind veteran Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi.
If Carr keeps it up in fall camp and proves he’s a solid backup for Bryce Underwood, his NIL value will almost certainly rise. Sometimes, all it takes is one good camp to change everything.
The Defensive Line: Alister Vallejo’s Potential
Head coach Kyle Whittingham thinks the defensive line is the strongest group on the team. That makes it tough for new faces to break through right away.
Still, true freshman Alister Vallejo could be different. He’s got a wrestling background and was under-recruited in high school, so there’s a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Vallejo might just carve out a spot on Michigan’s defensive line next season. With some of the top guys likely leaving, his timing couldn’t be better.
If you want more on these players and what they could make through NIL, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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