We’re in a wild new era for college basketball. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are changing everything, giving players a shot at real earnings while still in school.
This piece takes a look at the top college basketball players for the 2025-26 season, ranked by their NIL valuations. You’ll see names like AJ Dybantsa from BYU and Cameron Boozer of Duke—guys who are turning their skills and popularity into some serious cash.
Let’s just dig in and see who’s leading the pack, both in NIL dollars and on the court.
Top NIL Leaders in College Basketball
College hoops is shifting fast. NIL deals now play a huge role in shaping young athletes’ careers.
The 2025-26 season has brought out some remarkable talents, and their NIL numbers say a lot about their influence—and how much brands want a piece of that.
AJ Dybantsa: Leading the Pack
AJ Dybantsa, a freshman small forward for BYU, sits at the top with a jaw-dropping $4.2 million NIL valuation. He’s putting up 25.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
It’s not just fans who are watching—brands are lining up to work with him. No surprise there.
JT Toppin: A Force at Texas Tech
At No. 2, JT Toppin is a junior power forward from Texas Tech with a $2.8 million NIL valuation. Toppin’s averaging 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
He’s got the kind of game that makes people take notice—on both ends of the floor.
Cameron Boozer: Duke’s Rising Star
Cameron Boozer, a freshman power forward for Duke, grabs the third spot with a $2.2 million NIL valuation. Boozer’s putting up 22.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
He’s cool under pressure and has the kind of charisma brands love.
Other Notable NIL Leaders
Plenty of other players are making big moves in the NIL world, too. Let’s check out a few more names worth knowing.
Morez Johnson Jr.: Michigan’s Power Forward
Morez Johnson Jr., a sophomore at Michigan, lands fourth with a $2 million NIL valuation. He’s averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
His steady play and growing fan base are pushing his value up.
Jayden Quaintance: Kentucky’s Emerging Talent
Jayden Quaintance, a sophomore power forward for Kentucky, also holds a $2 million NIL valuation. He’s played just four games this season, averaging 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
He might not have eye-popping stats—yet—but the potential is there.
Yaxel Lendeborg: Senior Leader at Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg, a senior power forward and teammate of Johnson Jr., matches the $2 million valuation. He’s putting up 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Lendeborg brings leadership and versatility—something every team needs.
Freshmen Making Waves
This season, several freshmen are already making noise, both on the court and in the NIL world.
Caleb Wilson: North Carolina’s Power Forward
Caleb Wilson, a freshman power forward at North Carolina, is valued at $1.9 million. He’s averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Honestly, he looks like he could be one of the best soon.
Keaton Wagler: Illinois’ Shooting Guard
Keaton Wagler, a freshman shooting guard for Illinois, rounds out the top ten with a $1.5 million NIL valuation. Wagler’s numbers: 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Brands looking for new faces should probably keep an eye on him.
Senior Standouts
Don’t sleep on the seniors. Their experience and steady hands matter a lot—especially when it comes to NIL value.
Braden Smith: Purdue’s Point Guard
Braden Smith, a senior point guard for Purdue, sits at $1.7 million in NIL value. His stats: 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and a whopping 8.7 assists per game.
Smith’s leadership and playmaking just can’t be ignored.
Denzel Aberdeen: Kentucky’s Guard
Denzel Aberdeen, a senior guard for Kentucky, checks in with a $1.6 million NIL valuation. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Aberdeen’s versatility is a big asset for his team—and for brands eyeing the college hoops market.
The Future of NIL in College Basketball
The 2025-26 college basketball season has put a big spotlight on NIL deals and how they can change the lives of young athletes. Players like AJ Dybantsa, JT Toppin, and Cameron Boozer are showing what’s possible, using their skills and personalities to land impressive financial deals.
These valuations aren’t set in stone. As the season moves on, numbers will shift, and new faces might break through.
If you want more details or just want to keep tabs on who’s leading the NIL race, check out Pro Football Network.
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