In the rapidly evolving world of college sports, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have drastically changed the way athletes approach. No longer are student-athletes confined to just the field; they now can capitalize on their brands in ways we’ve never seen before. Clemson University, the home of its high-powered football program, has seen some of its brightest stars secure substantial NIL deals.

Let’s dive into the top 10 Tigers making waves

1. Cade Klubnik, QB | $3.3 Million

Cade Klubnik is a name Clemson fans will be familiar with for years to come, and it’s not just because of his top-notch play on the field. At an NIL worth $3.3 million, Klubnik has quickly become one of the most promotable college sports stars in the nation.

The gifted quarterback had flashes of brilliance in the 2024 season, throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns and rushing for another 463 yards and seven touchdowns. He also finished as a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award and was a top 10 candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

His NIL portfolio is equally as strong, with sponsors ranging from activewear brand Rhoback to car dealership Fred Caldwell Chevrolet and even EA Sports for their college football video game. With his name value and celebrity, Klubnik is proving that he’s more than a rising star—he’s the next big entrepreneur.

2. Peter Woods, DT | $1.4 Million

Clemson’s defense has long been one of the team’s greatest assets, and Peter Woods is among their shiniest stars. At the ripe age of just 20 years young, the towering defensive tackle is already an NIL titan, with a valuation of $1.4 million.

Woods’ athleticism and work ethic on the field have made him noticed by scouts and brands alike. He has also partnered with TigerImpact, a Clemson-based NIL collective. That further solidifies him as an elite player and a giving-back type of individual.

Woods’ revolutionary brand of play in the trenches has made him a household name in the world of football. And it is only a question of time until he’s considered a top pick in the NFL Draft. Off the field, his NIL deals suggest that his leadership and influence in the Clemson community are growing.

3. T.J. Parker, EDGE | $1.1 Million

T.J. Parker’s ability to rush the quarterback with speed and quickness has made him a highly valued asset for Clemson’s defense.

With an NIL worth $1.1 million, the edge rusher is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after college stars in the NIL space. Parker’s natural ability to put pressure on quarterbacks has paid dividends in the way of a high marketability quotient. Especially with companies vying to be linked with the rising star. As he keeps building on his defensive prowess, Parker’s NIL value is sure to increase even more.

4. Blake Miller, OT | $887,000

Blake Miller may not be as much in the spotlight as some of his flashier teammates, but the value that the offensive tackle brings to Clemson’s success cannot be overstated.

Valued at $887,000 in NIL, Miller has become a headline name with his leadership on the front line. It ensures the Tigers’ quarterbacks stay on their feet and running backs gain room to burst through. Miller’s work on the offense is often overlooked by the average fan, but NFL scouts and businesses recognize the value he is adding to the game. His consistent play and good off-field character make him the best endorsement prospect.

5. Avieon Terrell, CB | $781,000

Cornerback Avieon Terrell has quickly established himself as one of the ACC’s top shutdown corners. With an NIL worth $781,000, Terrell’s ability to play lockdown corner has led to high-paying sponsorship deals. Especially with companies looking to capitalize on his brand and marketability. With speed, agility, and football IQ, Terrell is a future prospect that everybody needs to see, and with his NIL deals continuing to go up, Terrell’s future continues to grow.

6. Antonio Williams, WR | $707,000

Wide receiver Antonio Williams has been a focal point of Clemson’s passing game, and with an NIL worth $707,000, he’s also making waves in the business community.

Williams’ playmaking on big plays and ability to stretch the field have made him a big-time asset for the Tigers’ offense. His athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability have also drawn the attention of NFL scouts. He is also a national brand seeking to capitalize on his growing fame. As his professional career takes off, expect Williams’ NIL deals to balloon along with his on-the-field success.

7. Will Heldt, EDGE | $667,000

Defensive end Will Heldt brings Clemson’s defense a well-rounded array of skills, and his NIL value of $667,000 reflects his increasing value. Heldt has impressed coaches and observers with his tireless work ethic to sack the quarterback. With his career advancing, Heldt is positioning himself for even greater NIL opportunities down the road.

8. Bryant Wesco, WR | $656,000

Freshman wide receiver Bryant Wesco has already become a significant contributor for Clemson, and his NIL value of $656,000 speaks to his upside. With his incredible athleticism and route-running ability, Wesco has the potential to be among the greatest wide receivers in college football. His early production and upside potential make him a compelling choice for brands looking to invest in the next college football superstar.

9. Sammy Brown, LB | $510,000

Linebacker Sammy Brown’s combination of athleticism and leadership makes him one of the top recruits in the nation. At an NIL valuation of $510,000, Brown is positioning himself to be a force on the field and in the boardroom. As he continues to develop at Clemson, expect his NIL value to increase along with his play on the field.

10. TJ Moore, WR | $474,000

Rounding out the list is wide receiver TJ Moore, whose $474,000 NIL worth shows that he has the ability to be a playmaker within the Clemson offense. Moore’s ability to make space and produce splash plays has made him a valuable commodity for the Tigers, and his fame will keep pushing his NIL deals.

KEEP READING: Top 10 Texas Longhorns With the Highest NIL Valuations

As the NIL age continues to advance, Clemson University’s football program is among the best at capitalizing on those opportunities.

Clemson’s NIL success story is only just beginning, and with these high-paid athletes showing no signs of slowing down, the Tigers will continue to be at the forefront of college athletics in both on-field performance and business ventures for years to come.

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West Virginia pitcher Robby Porco offers the best NIL deal in college baseball. It is actually the best NIL deal in college sports history.

He just wants to hang out!

Porco plays college baseball for the Mountaineers. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound right-handed pitcher made nine appearances during the early season with six earned runs and 15 strikeouts in 14.1 innings as a junior thus far into 2025. As you might assume from his stat line, he is more of a back-end bullpen guy who might get called to start in case of an injury or surprise scratch.

With that in mind, Robby Porco is very self-aware. His NIL earnings are capped by his sport, his status within the program and by his following on social media. The most wealthy college baseball players either hit dingers, pump gas as the Friday night ace, or go viral on Instagram and/or TikTok. He does not fit any of those three categories. He is not going to make seven figures like a quarterback and he knows that.

How much is too much to pay for a high school offensive lineman? That’s a question buzzing throughout college football this week on the heels of five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell committing to Miami.

The deal, which 247Sports previously reported could approach $2 million a year, allowed the Hurricanes to overtake Georgia for the No. 10 overall prospect in the Top247 and No. 1 player for the industry-generated 247Sports Composite.

It’s a splashy move that seems in line with Miami’s general strategy during the NIL era, which has seen the Hurricanes basically do whatever it takes to land top targets, including Cam Ward‘s $2 million salary and Carson Beck‘s $4 million.

“If you can pay it, do it,” said one SEC director of player personnel. “Go get that guy.”

But college football will soon no longer be in the unlimited NIL era of the sport. Once the House settlement is approved — a decision that could come anytime over the next few days — all future NIL deals more than $600 will be subject to approval from a clearinghouse that will determine whether they meet the standard of fair market value. Schools, at least on paper, will be far more limited in their spending with revenue sharing (expected to be $14 to $16 million for most Power Four football programs) making up the majority of a pseudo salary cap.

That’s the context in which many are looking at Cantwell’s massive price tag and wondering how an unproven high school tackle could be worth it.

Mark Pope was (jokingly) taken aback when he heard the news Kentucky would be taking on Purdue — a preseason top-five team with Final Four aspirations — in an October exhibition battle inside Rupp Arena later this year.

“Wait, what? Who scheduled that?” he said, laughing to himself at the audacity of his team taking on a national powerhouse when most go out of their way to host cupcakes in early tune-up opportunities.

Is it crazy? Probably, but it’s just the way he likes it. Any chance he can to build up the schedule and create big-time environments or tests for his program, he wants to take them. When this one came along, he was thrilled to take advantage of it and what it will mean for the Wildcats in the long run.

“This is what I know,” he said this week. “This is going to sound terrible and uncalculating, but I love playing great teams all the time. I love it. I think it’s really important. Anytime there’s any chance we can get great teams to come into Rupp, we’re going to take it. If it’s in the exhibition season or the preseason or the conference season, we’ll take it.”

It’s for his team’s growth first and foremost, seeing how they stack up as a perceived contender against another perceived contender when stakes are low. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Beyond that, though, it’s a massive opportunity for fans to get a game you’d see in a high-profile non-conference event or March Madness in the comfort of their own home venue, only earlier and cheaper.

For those reasons, Pope is thrilled to host the Boilermakers on October 24 — and another program he hopes to add to the exhibition schedule in the near future.

“Listen, we care about it — I’m just excited for BBN, that we get to walk in here in late October and play the No. 1 team in the country. I’m really excited about that. I’m excited about that for our fan base. We’re working on another exhibition game that I think is going to be terrific. I’m excited for it, for our fan base.

“I’m excited about it for college basketball. I’m excited about it for our guys, because when you play against great teams, it teaches you so much about yourself.”

Another positive? It gives his group something to look forward to, more so than a lesser-known program from a lower level like most matchups that time of the year. There is a sense of urgency when practice rolls around that they won’t have time for a ramp-up period to beat up on poor competition before the real stuff begins.

If they’re not prepared, they’ll get punched in the mouth before Halloween.

“The chance to do that in an exhibition where the cost might not be so high, and get to do it really early in the season where it’s not just the data you receive after the game and during the game, but it’s all of the energy and juice that it adds to your locker room every day during the summer and during the fall, when you’re like, ‘Hey, we’re preparing for it, guys. This is coming way faster than you might anticipate.’ I think those are all real bonuses,” he added.

Oh, and don’t forget about bringing a coach he believes to be among the best in the sport to Lexington, too. Matt Painter has been doing it at the highest level for two decades with five Big Ten championships, five Big Ten Coach of the Year awards and a Final Four under his belt.

Pope is pretty excited for that head-to-head battle on the sideline — and just about everything else that comes with hosting Purdue.

“Matt Painter is — I don’t know if he’s the best coach in college basketball, but he’s certainly got to be counted among the top couple. What he’s done at Purdue is incredible,” Pope said. “I have so much respect for him, and he makes life really difficult for the teams that play against him, because he’s got a very unique, distinct style of play and style of coaching.

“In every front, that’s going to be so fun.”

The NCAA Transfer Portal was as active as ever this offseason with over 4,000 entries, 2,400 of those having since committed elsewhere, over the pair of windows in the winter and spring. Now, 100 days out from kickoff, ESPN has rated the can’t-miss ones who will now be playing for new teams in the fall.

ESPN previewed the next season in college football in 2025 with an article including ten separate editions of different Top 10s ahead of Week 0. That included one by Max Olson of the Top 10 transfers to watch this season.

Each of the first four are quarterbacks, including one who was also on this list for consideration for The Heisman Trophy. There’s then a trio of wide receivers, an offensive tackle, a linebacker, and a tight end among the 10 on the list.

All of the 10 are also rated within the Top 35, per the latest update to On3’s Industry Ranking of 2025’s Top Transfer Portal Players. Six of them are in the Top 10, four being in the top five, in the transfer rating from On3.

With that, here’s the Top 10 transfers to see in ’25 per Olson at ESPN:

Mateer, coming off of his first season as a starter for Washington State, tops this list and is third at On3, as far as transfers for 2025. That’s with him being “one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the country,” considering what he showed as a dual-threat in Pullman.

Mateer posted over 330 yards of offense per game, efficiently too, with 64.6% completion on good passing numbers while also rushing at 4.6 yards per attempt, and had 44 touchdowns total for a Top 10 offense for Wazzu. He’ll now try to bring that same production to Norman, following OC Ben Arbuckle, to create some “much-needed swagger to the Sooners’ offense”.

Mensah was “absolutely coveted” as a mid-major quarterback making the move up to a power conference after his debut season playing for Tulane. That puts him second on this list for ESPN while he’s at No. 32 overall, as the No. 6 QB, for On3.

Mensah completed 65.9% of his throws for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Green Wave, who posted a Top 20 offense. He’ll look to continue that development now in Durham in replacing Maalik Murphy, who had his own great season as a transfer quarterback for the program last season.

The Hoosiers had a great transfer at quarterback last season as well, with Kurtis Rourke coming in from Ohio to lead the nation’s second-best offense and take them to the College Football Playoff. Now, in replacing him with Mendoza from California, at No. 3 for ESPN and No. 20 for On3, IU “couldn’t have found a better (quarterback)”.

Mendoza, with 19 starts for the Golden Bears, averaged 66.5% completion for 2,356 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions through two seasons playing, with improvement from his redshirt freshman to his redshirt sophomore years, in Berkeley. He will follow Rourke now in keeping that quarterback play up in Bloomington.

Miami had such a great transfer quarterback last year that he went on to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Hurricanes now bring in another player, as part of a top five portal class, who was previously projected as a top draft pick in Beck, who’s at No. 4 for ESPN but is No. 1 overall in the ratings by On3.

Beck had an up and then down career at Georgia with high highs in his first season as the Bulldogs’ starter, before having some more lows in his second, including a season-ending injury in the SEC Championship. In returning to college and transferring to Coral Gables, though, he’s “ready to step in as Cam Ward’s successor and prove he’s a first-round talent”.

The first non-quarterback, at No. 4 for both ESPN and On3, is Singleton. That’s after being an all-around weapon the past two seasons for Georgia Tech.

Singleton, through his time with the Yellow Jackets, averaged 52 receptions for 734 yards while catching nine touchdowns overall, ran for 131 yards and a score this past season, and returned 11 kicks for 241 yards on special teams. His “blazing speed and excellent route running” are now coming to The Plains as part of an improving offense for the Tigers.

The Ducks have brought in 11 transfers, six being in the Top 100, in a top five portal class according to On3. Still, of them all, World is the highest-rated one, at No. 6 for ESPN and No. 5 by On3, and “is the one who has pro scouts buzzing”.

World was the next non-quarterback on the list as the top tackle in the portal after starting the past two seasons for Nevada, including not allowing a sack last season for the Wolfpack. He’ll now try to do the same thing in Eugene in further solidifying their line as one of the top transfers in their class.

The Bulldogs had their issues at wide receiver last season, being among the most drops in the country despite having a solid passing offense. They’ve since addressed that with three pickups in the portal at that position, namely one of the better weapons in the sport in Branch, at No. 7 for ESPN and No. 8 for On3.

Branch, while at USC, caught 78 passes for 823 yards, at 10.6 yards per catch, and three touchdowns, with his usage at receiver from being a freshman to a sophomore taking away from him being one of the best returners in the nation as a freshman. The ‘Dawgs will “have a lot of fun finding different ways” to use that now with him as “an explosive playmaker” in Athens.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have the No. 1 class in the portal per On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings. The highest-rated of those commitments coming to Lubbock is Bailey, at No. 8 for ESPN and who rounds out the Top-10 at On3 after being one of the top transfers of the entire spring.

Through three seasons at Stanford, Bailey posted 111 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles, with seven of the sacks and five of the forced fumbles coming in his last season with the Cardinal. Pairing him now with four other additions at edge rusher or defensive line should “give Texas Tech one of the most talented (on)es in the country”.

LSU also reloaded at receiver with a trio of additions. Some, including On3, have Barion Brown (Kentucky) as the highest rated of them, but ESPN went with Anderson here at No. 9 with On3 having him at No. 19.

Injuries limited him, along with the rest of the Sooners’ receivers, last year, with just one game played as a sophomore after Anderson caught 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. He could get back to that, assuming he’s healthy, after transferring in conference in now being a target for QB Garrett Nussmeier in Baton Rouge.

The Buckeyes are most known for their top receivers in the passing game. They’ve had some reliable tight ends as part of it, though, with Klare, at No. 10 here for ESPN and No. 14 for On3, coming in to try to be the next one in Columbus.

Klare will also be an inter-conference transfer after a breakout season for Purdue in catching 51 passes for 685 yards and four scores as the leading receiver by far for the Boilermakers. Alongside WRs Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss in the corps, Klare “could end up being a sneaky great addition” as “a dependable target” to whoever ends up as their starting quarterback.