You don’t get called a “street fighter” in the trenches unless you bring that kind of energy every time. Aireontae Ersery? That’s exactly what he does. The Minnesota Gophers’ left tackle’s name is echoing quite strongly in the 2025 NFL Draft conversation. A number of analysts are placing him on the list of first or second-round picks. With possible landing spots with the Chiefs, Ravens, or Texans, his future looks promising.

Indeed, when one watches Ersery play, it is truly impossible to ignore his power. He brings the mentality of a wrestler into his game, considering every rep as a fight. And now, as he puts everything together for the draft, he is a force to reckon with.

Aireontae Ersery’s career highlights and statistics

For Ersery, dominating the trenches has never been a tough task. And, he has been a master of the fields, not just as a football player but even as a former track & field athlete. Since the time he began to shine at Ruskin High School, later paving his way to the University of Minnesota in 2020, the statistics bespeak his exceptional skills. In 2022, as a full-time starter he became an anchor for the offensive line. And the rest is history! Earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors, the year 2023 also became a major year for him starting all 13 games. And he emerged as one of the Big Ten’s top linemen.

His senior season in 2024 was also massive. Starting 12 games, he did not go for the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft. The highlight was a sack-free game against Maryland, as he earned the prestigious Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award, besides other honors. Now, as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, his 6’6″, 330-pound frame, makes him a strong mid-to-late round prospect.

What is Aireontae’s NIL Deal worth?

Undoubtedly, Aireontae Ersery stood out as a key figure in the Gophers’ offense. Having started 38 consecutive games, he is indeed bound to attract valuable NIL deals. While some of the major networks consider him to be a first-round pick, some analysts have placed him as a second-rounder. Being an NFL-bound talent, he is going to cash in huge amounts. Not just this, the Gophers’ football program secures 30% of the university’s total NIL deals. So, they do not fail to invest significantly in their key players, and Ersery was amongst them.

Even though the financial cap of offensive linemen is less than skill position players in NIL, Ersery has leverage. It is due to his run-blocking ability and potential NFL future that positions him to earn good sponsorships.

Who are Aireontae Ersery’s top NIL sponsors?

Aireontae Ersery’s rise wasn’t overnight. Here’s the thing—his name isn’t just echoing around in draft conversations; it is also reverberating where it matters. That is, the NIL deals. And these are some of the best endorsements that will adorn his jersey. Ersery’s partnerships align with his game, i.e., it is built for longevity.

Here’s a look at the brands and organizations backing Aireontae Ersery:

• EA Sports—Featuring college athletes in the upcoming NCAA Football video game, giving Ersery national exposure
• Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed—A sustainable meat company that is focused on regenerative agriculture, to give him adequate nutrition needs.
• Dinkytown Athletes—The official Gophers NIL collective, that makes sure regarding adequate financial opportunities for Minnesota football players.

Ersery’s NIL game does not simply revolve around stacking deals, he seeks to align with brands that exactly match his identity. And as Minnesota’s NIL scene is expanding, fans can embrace themselves to see him secure much better endorsements as he heads into the 2025 draft.