Amir Khan, affectionately known as “Aura,” has become a household name thanks to a simple but electrifying routine. Before every game, he leads McNeese players out of the tunnel, blasting rap music from his boombox. College Sports Network’s CBB Power Rankings analyze every team’s strength in a proprietary ranking system, from No. 1 to No. […]
Amir Khan, affectionately known as “Aura,” has become a household name thanks to a simple but electrifying routine. Before every game, he leads McNeese players out of the tunnel, blasting rap music from his boombox.
McNeese State’s Amir Khan Turns Into a Business Pioneer
“Not only did I know the song, but it is one of my favorite songs,” Khan told The Associated Press this week.
As McNeese continues its tournament run, Khan’s visibility is only expected to grow. His NIL earnings have already surpassed 0,000. He could increase significantly if the Cowboys manage to advance, as he’s leaving McNeese to go to NC State with head coach Will Wade.
The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, but McNeese State has given fans an unexpected star off the court. While the team is focused on its first-round matchup against Clemson, the internet has turned its attention to student manager Amir Khan. With his signature boombox, Khan has become a viral sensation.
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Guard DJ Richards Jr. emphasized just how much student managers like Khan contribute behind the scenes.
McNeese fans, players, and coaches alike are rallying behind Khan, excited to see what comes next. Could he become the face of NIL opportunities for student managers?
“Amir Khan, you are officially a pioneer,” Vial wrote on social media. “In the wildest couple of weeks anyone could have, you’ve stayed so humble & true to yourself. First-ever college student manager to ink a NIL deal… 3 deals… all with global brands… in a week! Keep going. You deserve it all.”
The athlete hyped up the squad with his passionate singalongs. One of his standout performances featured Lud Foe’s “In & Out,” a moment that captured the attention of fans and players alike.
“They follow us all year. They rebound for us. They get up early and then they still have to go to class and come back and rebound again. … I love that Amir is getting this.”
A Valued Member of the McNeese Family
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 22, 2025
McNeese State manager Amir Khan is making over 0k in NIL endorsements, per @MattNorlander.
“The managers, they really don’t get credit for what they do,” Richards told the AP.
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Assistant coach Reed Vial echoed that sentiment, praising Khan for his humility and work ethic even amid his rising stardom.
As his popularity skyrocketed, so did his business opportunities. Khan became the first student manager in NCAA history to secure NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. He did it by signing endorsements with Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies.
Evan Sidery, a prominent sports analyst, later reposted the video with the caption: “McNeese State manager Amir Khan is making over 0k in NIL endorsements, per @MattNorlander.”
His pregame tradition quickly became an internet sensation when McNeese social media director Phillip Mitchell Jr. posted a video of Khan leading the team. The clip racked up nearly 200,000 views on X, catapulting him into the national spotlight.
Khan graduates this spring with a Sports Management degree, so don’t be surprised if he is eventually involved with an NBA franchise in some capacity. pic.twitter.com/l7oJ2dLXnK
