College football’s changing fast, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations are a huge part of the conversation now. Let’s take a look at the latest NIL numbers for college quarterbacks—especially Oregon Ducks’ Dante Moore—and see what’s really going on with these rankings.
NIL valuations are basically estimates of what a college athlete’s name, image, and likeness are worth. They’re not the actual cash in the bank, but more like a gauge of how marketable a player is and how much they could make from sponsorships.
According to Sports Illustrated, these numbers get updated every week, which honestly makes sense considering how quickly things change.
Among quarterbacks, Texas’ Arch Manning tops the list with a wild $5.4 million valuation. LSU’s Sam Leavitt comes in at $4.0 million, followed by Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, both at $3.1 million.
Oregon’s Dante Moore rounds out the top five at $3.0 million. That’s not chump change for a college kid, right?
- Arch Manning (Texas): $5.4 million
- Sam Leavitt (LSU): $4.0 million
- Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech): $3.1 million
- Bryce Underwood (Michigan): $3.1 million
- Dante Moore (Oregon): $3.0 million
Dante Moore: A Rising Star
Dante Moore’s $3 million valuation puts him in rare company. Even though he’s fifth on the list, his marketability is climbing, thanks to deals with Nike and Beats by Dre.
He’s not just sticking to sports brands, either. Moore’s worked with DoorDash, Raising Cane’s, Factor Meals, Facebook, T-Mobile, DripDrop, and CVS. That’s a pretty wide net—shows he’s got some serious appeal outside just football fans.
Moore’s Commitment to Social Issues
Something else about Moore: he’s vocal about mental health. He posted a raw, emotional video talking about depression and suicide, which hit home for a lot of people.
It’s not every day you see a young athlete use his platform for stuff that matters off the field. Makes you root for the guy, honestly.
Brendan Sorsby: The Transfer Portal Success
Brendan Sorsby’s story is a bit different. After transferring from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, his NIL value shot up. That’s the transfer portal for you—one move and your whole career can change.
Texas Tech felt the impact right away. It’s hard to ignore how much a good quarterback can shift a team’s fortunes, especially in a season like 2025.
Texas Tech’s Strategic Move
Texas Tech didn’t mess around—they went after Sorsby in the portal, and it paid off. His $3.1 million valuation isn’t just a number; it’s proof that smart transfers can boost a team’s reputation and bank account.
Arch Manning: Leading the Pack
Arch Manning’s $5.4 million valuation is the highest among college quarterbacks. He’s got the spotlight, but he’s not flashy about his NIL deals.
Manning actually prefers to keep his endorsements quiet during the season so he can focus on football. Still, he’s landed partnerships with Google Gemini, Red Bull, Warby Parker, Vuori, and Raising Cane’s.
Manning’s Strategic Approach
He’s careful about balancing football and business. Manning’s approach feels thoughtful—he’s not just chasing every deal, but still manages to build a killer endorsement lineup.
The Broader Implications of NIL Deals
NIL deals have totally changed college sports. Athletes can finally make real money off their own brands, which is long overdue if you ask me.
For guys like Moore and Manning, these deals are a huge opportunity. But let’s be real—the jump to NFL earnings is still massive. Moore could see $52.4 million guaranteed if he goes pro in 2026, which kind of puts the whole NIL thing in perspective.
NIL Deals and Athlete Development
There’s more to NIL than just money. For Moore, staying in college means more time to develop his skills and build his brand before hitting the big leagues.
He seems to get that it’s not just about cashing in right away. Sometimes, playing the long game pays off.
Conclusion
The NIL valuations of college quarterbacks like Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and Brendan Sorsby say a lot about where college football is headed.
It’s not just about how well you play anymore. Marketability and smart choices off the field matter just as much, maybe more sometimes.
NIL deals are changing the game. Athletes can build their brands, support causes they care about, and get ready for pro careers—if they play their cards right.
Curious for more? You can dig into the details at Sports Illustrated.
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