This season was supposed to be a game changer for Rutgers’ freshman guard Dylan Harper, both on the court and in NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals. However, injuries have slowed him down, not only his performance but also his marketability. Meanwhile, at Stanford a senior forward has had his NIL value explode by $225,000, a sign of how much consistency can be worth as much as hype.

Coming into college, Dylan Harper was a 6’5” guard from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ, with sky-high expectations. A $1.7 million NIL valuation had brands lining up to partner with him. However, his stock tumbled, and injuries kept him off the court. When it comes to sponsorship deals, reliability is key, and unfortunately, his health concerns have made brands a little hesitant.

On the other hand, French 7’1” forward from Stanford, Maxime Raynaud has had his NIL value shoot up. While not at the same level of hype as Harper, he has a steady performance with global appeal that has made him a hot property with brands looking to get in front of a global audience.

Dylan Harper had big deals with Nike, Red Bull, and The NIL Store before injuries became an issue, a sign of how marketable he is. However, lately, new deals have been few and far between. Meanwhile, Raynaud’s rise shows that consistent performance can sometimes be more valuable than just big-name recognition.

Harper still holds an impressive ranking—#37 in the NIL 100 and #5 in College Basketball NIL rankings. However, his recent setbacks have put a temporary roadblock on his trajectory. The whole point about this is that NIL games can change so quickly.

Missed opportunities impacting Dylan Harper’s NIL valuation

Missing out on games means missing out on the chance to grab a sponsor’s attention. Dylan Harper missed action against Northwestern and Michigan with a high ankle sprain, and that is the kind of absence that can harm an athlete’s brand. The less time he spends on the court, the less visibility he has, and therefore he is a riskier bet for sponsors.

And when he did play, his injury clearly affected his performance. In a game against Penn State, he struggled to make an impact, managing only seven points after getting hurt in the first half. Stars are what brands want, and when it comes to injuries, Dylan Harper has made that tough for himself.

But there’s still hope. Harper’s return against No. 23 Illinois was nothing short of impressive—28 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. That game was a reminder of why he was such a big NIL prospect to begin with. As long as he stays healthy and continues to produce performances like that, his value will come right back.

Right now, Dylan Harper’s NIL stock has taken a hit due to injuries, lost playing time, and brand hesitation. He has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with when at his best. If he can remain on the court and continue to shine, it will not be long before brands begin knocking on his door again.