Key Takeaways
- College athletes make billions for schools and the NCAA. But they haven’t been paid directly until recently.
- New rules allow athletes to earn money from endorsements, appearances, and their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
- The debate continues over fairness, smaller schools, and how to pay athletes safely.
- Top athletes are now becoming the highest-paid college athletes thanks to NIL deals.
How the Highest-Paid College Athletes Are Changing College Sports
College sports bring in billions of dollars each year. Packed stadiums, merchandise, and TV deals bring huge profits to schools and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Football and basketball programs, in particular, draw millions of fans. Yet, for a long time, athletes only got scholarships. They couldn’t earn money on their own, even though they worked hard and trained year-round.
Now, new rules let players make money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) . This means athletes can sign endorsement deals, sell autographs, and make money on social media. Top athletes are becoming the highest-paid college athletes. Their success is changing the way people see college sports.
Keep reading to learn how these changes are reshaping college athletics.
Why Haven’t College Athletes Been Paid?
For decades, NCAA rules treated college athletes as amateurs. Scholarships cover tuition, housing, and meals. But athletes weren’t allowed to earn extra income. The goal was to keep college sports fair and focused on education.
However, critics argue that these rules were unfair. Athletes spend a lot of time training, traveling, and playing games. Schools and conferences made millions, but players didn’t share in that income. High school athletes dreaming of playing for college teams had to follow strict rules, knowing that even if they helped generate huge revenue, they would mostly rely on scholarships.
How Much Money Do College Sports Make?
College sports are big business. Football and basketball programs make millions from ticket sales, merchandise, and TV contracts. Teams like the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Michigan Wolverines earn huge sums every year. Even smaller revenue sports can generate significant money through special events and tournaments.
Championship games and bowl games bring even more income. For example, the schools that made it to the College Football Playoff earned $4 million each. While schools and athletic departments get rich, most athletes still rely on scholarships. NIL deals are helping change that, giving athletes more financial opportunities.
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Top 10 Highest Paid College Athletes (2025-2026)
Thanks to NIL deals, college athletes can now earn millions while they’re still in school. Here’s a look at the highest paid athletes and how much they’re making:
| Rank | Athlete | School | Sport & Position | Estimated NIL Earnings |
| 1 | Arch Manning | University of Texas at Austin | Football – Quarterback | $6.8 million |
| 2 | Carson Beck | University of Miami | Football – Quarterback | $4.3 million |
| 3 | Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State | Football – Wide Receiver | $4.2 million |
| 4 | AJ Dybantsa | BYU | Basketball – Forward | $4.1 million |
| 5 | Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | Football – Quarterback | $3.7 million |
| 6 | LaNorris Sellers | University of South Carolina | Football – Quarterback | $3.7 million |
| 7 | DJ Lagway | University of Florida | Football – Quarterback | $3.7 million |
| 8 | Cade Klubnik | Clemson University | Football – Quarterback | $3.4 million |
| 9 | Drew Allar | Penn State University | Football – Quarterback | $3.1 million |
| 10 | Sam Leavitt | Arizona State University | Football – Quarterback | $3.1 million |
Arguments for and Against Paying Athletes
Should college athletes get paid? It’s a complex question, and both sides have strong points.
For Paying Athletes:
- Players train full-time and risk injuries that can affect their future.
- Athletes help schools earn millions of dollars in revenue.
- NIL deals now allow top performers to become the highest-paid college athletes, earning money while still in school.
Against Paying Athletes:
- Smaller schools may not have the budget to pay athletes, which could create inequality.
- Paying players could lead to unfair advantages in recruiting.
- Corruption or improper deals could harm programs.
- Some people believe scholarships and living stipends are enough for student-athletes.
Both sides have valid points, making this a complex issue that continues to spark debate among fans, schools, and lawmakers.
Athletes Leading This Change
Some college athletes have pushed for change. Ed O’Bannon, a former UCLA basketball player, sued the NCAA over the use of his image in video games. He argued that athletes should earn money for their likeness, since the NCAA and universities profited from it.
Other athletes, like Paige Bueckers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Cooper Flagg, have used NIL deals to make money while still in school. Players can now sign endorsement deals and autographs. And they can profit from social media. Quarterbacks and star players on teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide are setting records as some of the highest-paid college athletes. These deals show that college sports can reward talent beyond scholarships.
New Rules Are Changing the Game
Recent changes in legislation and NCAA policies have opened new doors. Laws like the California Fair Pay to Play Act and updated NIL rules allow athletes to earn money without losing their eligibility.
Top athletes with high market value can secure multi-million dollar deals. Schools are adapting quickly, balancing scholarships with new opportunities for players. Even non-revenue sports are starting to explore NIL deals to give more athletes a chance to earn money.
Potential Challenges
While NIL deals are a positive step, they come with the following challenges:
- Smaller schools may struggle to compete with powerhouse programs.
- Some athletes might receive unfair or unbalanced deals.
- Non-revenue sports such as women’s basketball or track and field might not see as many opportunities.
- Recruiting could become less about skill and more about an athlete’s marketability.
Schools, conferences, and lawmakers need to balance fair pay while keeping college sports competitive and safe for athletes.
How Could Athletes Be Paid?
There are several ways athletes could be compensated fairly:
- Revenue-Sharing — Players receive a percentage of the money their teams make.
- Living Stipends — Athletes earn extra money to cover meals, travel, and personal expenses.
- Expanded NIL Deals — These opportunities can be for endorsements, sponsorships, and personal appearances for more athletes, including those in non-revenue sports.
These options let athletes earn money while balancing school and sports. They also help schools manage budgets and maintain fairness across programs.
Where the Debate Stands
The debate over paying college athletes is complicated. Supporters argue that it’s a matter of fairness. They know the risks players take and the millions of dollars they help generate for schools and the NCAA.
Opponents worry about smaller schools, maintaining competitive balance, and the risk of corruption. Today, NIL deals allow top athletes to earn money and become the highest-paid college athletes in history. This shift shows that college sports are evolving. It gives players a chance to enjoy the revenue they help create while getting an education.
Turn Talent Into Opportunity
The rise of the highest-paid student athletes shows that hard work and dedication can open doors on and off the field. Student-athletes now have the chance to earn money. Plus, they can gain experience and continue their education at the same time.
Whether you’re planning for a sports career, academic success, or both, planning ahead is key. Use College Raptor’s FREE scholarship search tool to find opportunities that match your goals. You can turn your talent into real opportunities for college and beyond.
