Biggest NIL Stock Risers in College Football: Week 1-3’s Breakout Stars

As the college football season heats up, we're seeing spectacular performances on the field translating into significant gains off the field. The world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is evolving rapidly, with several players emerging as hot commodities for brand partnerships. Let's dive into some of the biggest NIL stock risers so far this season and explore what this means for athlete brand partnerships in college football.

What is Name, Image, and Likeness in College Football?

Before we jump into our rising stars, let's quickly recap what NIL means in college football. NIL allows college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness through endorsements, sponsorships, and other business opportunities. This has opened up a new world of college athletes with brand deals, dramatically changing the landscape of college sports.

Week 3 Spotlight: Arch Manning's Explosive Debut

When an injury sidelined Quinn Ewers, all eyes turned to freshman quarterback Arch Manning. Coming from football royalty, expectations were high, and Manning didn't disappoint:

Performance: 4 passing touchdowns and a 67-yard rushing touchdown Impact: Led No. 2 Texas to a 56-7 win over UTSA

NIL Impact: 28% Engagement Rate on social media, existing partnerships with Panini, EA Sports, and Raising Cane's, 15K+ new followers after his breakout performance

Manning's existing partnerships are now seeing increased visibility, and his stellar performance is likely to attract new brand deals. With his family name and on-field success, Manning's NIL stock is soaring, making him a prime target for big name college football partners looking to align with rising stars.

Week 2 Rising Star: Jeremiah Smith - Ohio State University

Ohio State's freshman sensation, Jeremiah Smith, is making waves both on and off the field:

On-field Impact: 11 receptions, 211 receiving yards, and 3 TDs in just 2 games Social Media Growth: 87% follower increase since committing to Ohio State, with an additional 15% growth heading into Week 3

NIL Impact: Pre-season social media partnerships with Lululemon and American Eagle are paying off huge for the companies, as Smith’s on-field dominance continues to boost his account’s visibility. His rapid rise even landed him as the face of Chipotle’s new partnership with Ohio State Athletics.

Smith's rapid rise in the college player football rankings is mirrored by his growing social media presence, making him an increasingly attractive prospect for athlete brand partnerships.

Week 1 Breakout: Tetairoa McMillan: University of Arizona

Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan showcased how on-field performance can quickly translate to NIL opportunities:

Record-Breaking Performance: Over 300 receiving yards and four touchdowns Immediate NIL Impact: Gained 9,000+ Instagram followers post-game New Partnership: Secured a deal with JLab Increased Visibility: Existing partnerships with Raising Cane's and Alerion Elevation saw boosted exposure

NIL Impact: Following this breakout, McMillan secured a partnership with JLab, and his pre-season partnerships with Raising Cane’s and Alerion Elevation are now seeing increased visibility. McMillan is also a multi-platform influencer, hosting his own podcast on Game Network, which is likely to see a spike in listeners if he continues his stellar performance this season.

McMillan's story is a perfect example of how a single standout performance can significantly elevate an athlete's NIL stock.

The Impact on Athlete Brand Partnerships

These rising stars demonstrate several key trends in college football NIL deals:

1. Performance Matters: On-field success directly correlates with NIL opportunities.

2. Rapid Response: Brands are quick to capitalize on breakout performances.

3. Multi-Platform Presence: Athletes with strong engagement across multiple social media platforms are particularly valuable.

4. Story Appeal: Players with compelling narratives (like Manning's family legacy) have added NIL value.

What This Means for Brands

For companies looking to partner with college athletes, these mid-season breakouts offer valuable insights:

1. Stay Agile: Be prepared to act quickly when new stars emerge.

2. Look Beyond the Stars: Keep an eye on up-and-coming players who might offer better value.

3. Engagement is Key: Focus on athletes with high engagement rates, not just follower counts.

4. Long-term Potential: Consider how a player's stock might continue to rise over their college career.

Conclusion: The Dynamic World of College Football NIL

As we've seen with Manning, Smith, and McMillan, the NIL landscape in college football is dynamic and full of opportunity. For athletes, consistent performance and strong social media presence can lead to lucrative brand deals. For brands, staying attuned to rising stars and being ready to act quickly can result in valuable partnerships.

As the season progresses, we're sure to see more breakout performances translating into NIL success stories. The key for both athletes and brands is to stay nimble, authentic, and engaged in this exciting new era of college football partnerships.