Texas’ Highest-Paid NIL College Football Player: Inside Arch Manning’s Multi-Million Dollar Value
College football has always produced stars, but the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era has turned the biggest names into full-blown brands. As of early 2026, the highest-paid NIL college football player is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, with a projected NIL valuation of about $5.3 million per year, according to leading NIL data platform On3. (On3)
At the same time, reporting from outlets like Bleacher Report estimates that Manning actually earned roughly $6.8 million in NIL deals during the 2025 season alone, putting his annual income above what many college head coaches and some NFL rookies make. (Bleacher Report)
This article breaks down who Arch Manning is, how his NIL value became the highest in college football, what types of deals he signs, and what his success means for the broader NIL landscape.
Who Is Arch Manning?
Arch Manning is the starting quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns and the latest member of the famous Manning quarterback family. He’s the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of Super Bowl–winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning.
Coming out of Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, he was one of the most hyped high-school recruits in modern history, graded as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 quarterback in his class by multiple recruiting services. His commitment to Texas instantly boosted the Longhorns’ national profile and energized their fan base, especially as the program transitioned fully into the SEC. (On3)
On the field, Manning initially sat behind Quinn Ewers, but his performance when called upon quickly showed why he was so highly regarded. In the 2025 season, after taking over as full-time starter, he led Texas to a berth in the College Football Playoff and continued to build his reputation as a franchise-level QB. In the 2025 Citrus Bowl, for example, he became the first player in the game’s history to both rush and pass for at least 150 yards, helping Texas defeat Michigan 41–27. (MySA)
That combination of elite pedigree, high-profile program, and strong on-field production is the foundation for his NIL dominance.
How Much Is Arch Manning’s NIL Worth?
Current NIL Valuation
According to the latest On3 NIL College Football Rankings, Arch Manning sits at No. 1 among all college football players, with a valuation of $5.3 million. (On3)
On3’s valuation is not a guaranteed salary or exact income figure. Instead, it’s an estimate of his annual market value, based on: (Wikipedia)
- On-field performance and projected future success
- Size and engagement of his social media following (over 500,000 total followers across platforms) (On3)
- Brand strength of his school (Texas) and conference (SEC)
- The going market rates for quarterbacks at top programs in the current NIL marketplace
The same database notes that Manning is not just the highest-valued football player; he’s the top NIL athlete overall, across all sports and levels, beating out major basketball prospects and other football stars. (On3)
Reported Actual Earnings
Independent reporting suggests that the valuation is backed by real money. A 2026 report cited by Bleacher Report estimates that Manning made approximately $6.8 million in NIL deals during the 2025 season, more than most college head coaches and even some first-round NFL draft picks. (Bleacher Report)
It’s important to understand that exact contract values are rarely public, and many collectives and brands keep numbers private. But when multiple sources place Manning’s earnings in the mid-seven-figure range, it becomes clear why he’s widely described as the highest-paid NIL player in college football.
Where the Money Comes From: Manning’s Major NIL Deals
Arch Manning’s NIL portfolio is built around a mix of national brands and sports-specific partners. While not every deal discloses dollar amounts, his partners give a good picture of how he earns his money:
1. Red Bull
In early 2025, Manning signed a headline-grabbing NIL deal with Red Bull, the global energy drink giant. The partnership was announced with a high-production social media campaign, signaling that the company sees him as one of its key American sports faces.
Reports at the time noted that his NIL valuation jumped into the $6–7 million range as this and other deals were added to his portfolio.
2. Panini America
Manning’s first major NIL partnership was with Panini America, the trading card and memorabilia company. The exclusive multiyear deal launched with a special one-of-one autographed card, with proceeds going to charity. (On3)
Trading card deals are particularly valuable for players with long-term star potential, as cards, limited-edition prints, and signed memorabilia remain in demand for years.
3. EA Sports
As one of the faces of EA Sports’ revived College Football 25 video game, Manning reportedly secured a significant endorsement deal and appearance feature. For a player with his name recognition, video game licensing royalties and promotional work can climb into seven-figure territory over the life of the game.
4. Uber / Waymo and Tech Brands
Manning has also been linked to NIL partnerships with Uber and autonomous-vehicle brand Waymo, appearing in campaigns highlighting new transportation technology in the Austin area.
These deals go beyond pure sports marketing, positioning him as a modern tech-friendly brand asset who can reach both college fans and younger consumers.
5. Apparel and Lifestyle Sponsors
Public reporting has also mentioned partnerships with premium apparel brand Vuori, as well as ongoing clothing and lifestyle deals that complement his on-field image.
Together, these national deals, plus potential school-aligned collective payments and appearance fees, fuel the multi-million-dollar figure attached to his name.
How NIL Valuation Works (And Why It Matters)
The On3 NIL Valuation model, widely cited in NIL coverage, combines “Total Player Value” factors like roster value (what a collective might reasonably pay to keep an athlete on a roster) and traditional marketing value (brand endorsements, social media campaigns, etc.). (Wikipedia)
For quarterbacks at power programs, especially in the SEC, this number can be massive. Recent estimates suggest that elite starting QBs at top schools can command $2–3.5 million or more per year just from roster-driven compensation alone, even before national sponsorships are added. (Houston Chronicle)
Manning’s value is elevated because he checks every box:
- Elite position: Quarterback is the most valuable role in football.
- Blue-blood program: Texas has a huge fan base and national visibility.
- Family brand: The Manning name is already synonymous with quarterback excellence.
- Media attention: Every game, interview, and commercial spot receives national coverage.
For brands, investing in Manning means instant credibility and reach, which justifies large NIL budgets.
How Arch Manning Compares to Other NIL Stars
While this article focuses on college football, it’s useful to see Manning’s place in the broader NIL ecosystem. According to recent On3 rankings: (On3)
- Arch Manning, QB, Texas – ~$5.3M NIL valuation (No. 1 in college football and No. 1 overall).
- Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State – ~$4.2M valuation.
- Brendan Sorsby, QB, Texas Tech – ~$3.3M valuation, boosted by a heavily reported transfer deal worth around $5 million. (Talksport)
Other high-profile quarterbacks and star wide receivers sit in the $2–3 million range, but Manning still leads the pack by a clear margin.
Impact on Texas Football and the NIL Era
Recruiting and Program Image
Having the highest-paid NIL player in college football is a recruiting advantage. Manning’s presence signals to top recruits that:
- Texas is willing and able to help athletes build strong NIL portfolios.
- Star players at Texas can become national marketing figures, not just local celebrities.
This matters in an era where recruits weigh NIL opportunities alongside playing time, coaching, and NFL potential.
Locker Room Dynamics
Big NIL disparities raise questions about team chemistry. Yet coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized that Manning is team-first and even agreed to take a reduced share of certain revenue-sharing funds to help Texas field the best possible roster around him. (MySA)
That kind of messaging helps manage locker-room dynamics and shows other players that big NIL earners can still be committed teammates.
The Future Market
Manning’s deals also act as a benchmark for future stars. As younger quarterbacks and top recruits see a realistic path to multi-million-dollar earnings without leaving school, more will prioritize strong social brands, media training, and off-field business savvy.
At the same time, programs and collectives are already dealing with donor fatigue and escalating expectations, making sustainability a major question. (Houston Chronicle)
What Arch Manning’s NIL Success Means for Athletes and Parents
For high-school athletes, parents, and coaches trying to understand NIL, Arch Manning is an extreme example, but he still offers clear lessons:
- On-field performance still comes first.
NIL deals follow players who produce, win games, and stay in the spotlight. - Brand matters.
Manning’s family name, clean public image, and media-trained interviews make him attractive to Fortune 500 companies. - Long-term planning beats quick cash.
His deals are spread across several sectors—energy drinks, apparel, tech, memorabilia—rather than one risky mega-deal. - NIL valuations are estimates, not guarantees.
A $5.3 million valuation doesn’t mean a $5.3 million check. It’s a projection of what he could reasonably command in the current market. (Instagram)
Final Thoughts
In the short time since NIL became legal, college sports have transformed into a genuine marketplace where the biggest stars can earn life-changing money before ever playing an NFL snap. Right now, Arch Manning stands at the center of that transformation as the highest-paid NIL college football player, combining elite talent, a powerful brand, and a blue-chip program to create a multi-million-dollar business around his name.
Whether future quarterbacks eventually surpass his numbers or the market cools down, Manning’s NIL run at Texas will likely be remembered as a defining case study in this new era—showing just how far the value of a college athlete’s name, image, and likeness can go.
Leave a Reply