NIL Deal Kings: College Football’s Highest Earning Quarterbacks in 2025

By Jason Bolton September 05, 2025 01:21

The landscape of college football has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals turning top athletes into viral marketing powerhouses. In 2025, quarterbacks remain the kings of this new era, leveraging their on-field promise and off-field charisma to secure multi-million dollar endorsements that rival many professional athletes. Here’s a deep dive into the highest-earning college quarterbacks commanding impressive NIL contracts and influencing the future of the sport.

Leading the pack is Darian Mensah, the Duke Blue Devils’ dynamic transfer from Tulane. Despite being under the radar as a three-star recruit, Mensah’s rookie season at Duke turned heads, and so did his NIL deal. Duke reportedly offered him an astonishing $8 million guaranteed over two years, with incentives potentially pushing the total to $10 million, making him the highest-paid college QB in the nation this year. This deal reflects Duke’s aggressive investment to rebuild its football program around a strategic quarterback.

Not far behind is Bryce Underwood, the Michigan quarterback whose NIL valuation is around $3 million annually. Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan, a move heavily backed by Michigan super-booster Larry Ellison, whose financial commitment has reshaped NIL opportunities for Wolverines athletes. His endorsement portfolio includes local and national deals, elevating his market presence as he heads into one of the most anticipated seasons of his career.

Carson Beck of Miami marks another high earner, with a deal estimated between $3 million and $3.2 million. Beck’s transition from Georgia to Miami came with high expectations, especially after overcoming an injury in 2024. Miami’s NIL backing underscores how programs are financially bettin on quarterbacks to lead both on the field and in branding efforts.

Rounding out the top tier are Dylan Raiola of Nebraska and Cade Klubnik of Clemson, valued at over $3 million and $3.4 million respectively. Raiola’s NIL deal came amid a highly publicized recruitment battle, reflecting his status as a rising star despite mixed freshman year performances. Klubnik, entering his third season, carries the legacy of leading Clemson to an ACC title, with endorsements from brands such as Rhoback increasing his earning power.

Elsewhere, LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina impresses both for his on-field breakout and endorsements, including deals with Beats by Dre and Raising Cane’s, totaling around $1 million for 2025. His breakout 2024 campaign saw him throw for over 2,000 yards and rush for nearly 700, fueling interest from brands eager to align with dual-threat quarterbacks.

This influx of NIL money has transformed how quarterbacks approach college football. As Duke’s Darian Mensah remarked in an interview, “The NIL deals aren’t just about the money. They’re about building a brand that lasts beyond college.” Mensah’s $10 million-plus contract signals a growing trend: schools and sponsors recognize quarterbacks as not just athletes but influential cultural icons.

The changing NIL market also shifts recruiting dynamics. Michigan’s Larry Ellison’s deep pockets have shifted power in the Big Ten, allowing the Wolverines to make headline-grabbing NIL offers to secure top talent like Underwood. This new arms race raises questions about competitive balance but affirms the quarterback’s crucial role in today’s football ecosystem.

In summary, 2025’s college football quarterbacks are not just winning games they’re winning millions through NIL deals reflecting their athletic talents and marketability. Whether it’s Darian Mensah’s record-setting contract or Bryce Underwood’s strategic commitment shift, these athletes are redefining college sports as entrepreneurs and influencers, carrying NIL into its most lucrative and transformational phase yet.