Having more than a million followers on Instagram helped to highlight the influence of Colorado’s QB, Shedeur Sanders, as well as amplified his marketability so that he became the priority of top brands. The star quarterback made a name in college football at a very early age by winning the Deacon Jones Trophy and the Jerry Rice Award. Most importantly, he attracted major brands through his excellent performance. 

However, Sanders is not alone in the competition for NIL deals and in enhancing marketability. Recently, the Oregon Ducks wide receiver’s NIL valuation rapidly enhanced. It brought the WR to the 7th position of the top 10 chart of NIL athletes. But this sudden climbing can be a threat in the future for the No.1 NIL valuation holder, Colorado Buffaloes’ Shedeur. 

Is the Ducks WR NIL valuation on the way to becoming the top? 

Oregon’s rising star WR, Evan Stewart, previously ranked No.13 in the NIL top-10 chart of all college athletes, but after a sudden enhancement, the star athlete entered between the top-10. On this note, Stewart made a deal with NXTRND, which “Offers a range of football protective gear, including gloves, socks, visors, mouthguards, and arm sleeves.” Presently, his NIL evaluation is approximately $1.3 million. Along with that, the Ducks WR has 2.4 million followers on social media, whereas the Colorado QB has 2.5 million followers. Hence, there is a difference between their fan base, but the gap is very small, which can be a warning for Sanders in the future. 

Conversely, Sanders inked his first NIL deal with Gatorade while he was in college. After that, he signed a deal with Mercedes-Benz, a luxury car brand, Under Armour, Beats by Dre, and a clothing brand named Brady. Furthermore, he has an exclusive partnership with PLB Sports and Entertainment, which introduces a personalized BBQ sauce. According to On3 NIL valuation, the QB has a $4.8 million NIL valuation in the present. So, if the NIL valuation of Evan exceeds this rapid ratio, it can beat Sanders’ NIL Crown at a point in the future. The result can only be determined over time. Now, have a look at both the players’ performance and its impact on NIL.

How do their performances affect their NIL?

As per the track record of Sanders’ previous performance, Colorado fans and analysts expected that his accuracy and arm strength could change the game for the Buffaloes in the upcoming championship. Along with that, this season he may be leading the team with the potential to be a top pick in the NFL draft.

Conversely, on explaining his own performance, Stewart said, “I want to show that I am a jack of all trades“. Despite an early season ankle injury, the talented WR did not stop and became a top-5 overall athlete in Oregon football. However, both the player has a mindset to improve themselves, which also exceeds their media reach and NIL position. What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comment box.