Top 5 College Basketball Social Media Stars to Watch in 2024-25: From Cooper Flagg to Rising NIL Phenoms

In the evolving landscape of college basketball, social media influence has become as valuable as on-court performance. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals reshaping collegiate athletics, these five players are setting new standards for athlete marketability and digital engagement, as measured by their Out2Win Scores – a comprehensive metric of social media influence and marketability.

1. Mikey Williams - UCF's Social Media Powerhouse

Out2Win Score: 95 University of Central Florida's newest guard brings an impressive social media following to the Knights' program. With 5.5 million total followers and averaging 2.5 million Instagram Reel plays, Williams maintains an exceptional 7.69% engagement rate. His partnership with FitnessAI demonstrates his commercial appeal, while his transfer to UCF marks a fresh chapter in his basketball journey.

2. Cooper Flagg - Duke's Next Superstar

Out2Win Score: 94 The nation's #1 freshman arrives at Duke with massive expectations both on and off the court. Flagg's 900,000 followers and 8.45% engagement rate showcase his growing influence. His New Balance partnership positions him perfectly for brand growth in Durham, where the spotlight of Duke basketball could catapult his already impressive social presence to new heights.

3. Brandon Dwyer - FGCU's Content King

Out2Win Score: 92 Florida Gulf Coast University's Brandon Dwyer proves that athletic dominance isn't the only path to social media success in college basketball. With 1.6 million followers and a stellar 10.8% engagement rate, Dwyer's partnership with Sunny D highlights how authentic content creation can drive engagement. His 100% follower growth demonstrates the power of relatable content in building a strong social media presence.

4. Hansel Enmanuel - Austin Peay's Inspiring Icon

Out2Win Score: 92 Hansel Enmanuel's incredible journey has captured hearts nationwide, translating into 4.4 million followers and robust engagement metrics. His Adidas partnership showcases how authentic storytelling and perseverance can resonate with audiences, maintaining nearly 500K average Instagram Reel plays and a solid 3.9% engagement rate.

5. Elliot Cadeau - UNC's Rising Star

Out2Win Score: 91 North Carolina's dynamic guard brings both playmaking ability and social media savvy to Chapel Hill. With 410,000 followers and consistent viral content, Cadeau's partnerships with prestigious brands like Marriott Bonvoy and American Eagle demonstrate his marketing potential. His 5.8% engagement rate suggests sustained growth in his sophomore campaign.

Stay Ahead of the Game with Out2Win's Latest Insights

As college basketball season kicks off, we're excited to announce Out2Win's annual College Basketball Marketability Report!

This FREE report dives into the top 100 most marketable players, analyzing visibility trends, key market drivers, social media NIL deals, top brand partnerships, and more.

Don't miss out on this essential resource—click here to request your copy and stay ahead of the game!