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Sep 4, 2024
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Corey Bruno
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Evaluating Athlete-Influencers
In the evolving landscape of college football, social media influence has become as crucial as on-field performance. As we dive into the 2024-2025 season, one quarterback stands head and shoulders above the rest in the digital arena, while two rising stars are making significant waves. Let's explore how these athletes are redefining NIL partnerships and setting new benchmarks in athlete influencer marketing.
Shedeur Sanders: Colorado
Sanders' social media presence is truly in a league of its own:
2.5M Total Followers
4% Instagram Engagement Rate
955K Average Reel Plays
150K Average TikTok Views
These staggering numbers make Sanders the undisputed leader in college football influencer marketing. His massive following and exceptional reel play views offer unparalleled reach for brand partnerships, setting a new standard in the NIL era.
Jaxson Dart: Ole Miss
Dart's impressive metrics showcase his growing influence:
135K Total Followers
16% Instagram Engagement Rate
137K Average Reel Plays
140K Average TikTok Views
30% Instagram Follower Growth (2024)
58% TikTok Follower Growth
Dart's high engagement rate and consistent growth across platforms make him a valuable partner for brands seeking quality interactions and an expanding audience.
Avery Johnson: Kansas State
Johnson is carving out his niche with genuine content creation:
85K Total Followers
15% Instagram Engagement Rate
91K Average Reel Plays
75K Average TikTok Views
20% Instagram Follower Growth (2024)
12% TikTok Follower Growth (2024)
Despite a smaller following, Johnson's high engagement rates indicate a deeply connected and loyal fanbase, offering brands an opportunity for authentic partnerships.
Why These QBs Offer Superior Social Media Value
Unmatched Reach: Sanders provides access to a vast, established audience.
High Engagement: Dart and Johnson offer superior interaction rates with their followers.
Multi-Platform Presence: All three are active on both Instagram and TikTok, allowing for diverse content strategies.
Growth Potential: Dart and Johnson show promising follower growth, indicating rising influence.
Authentic Content Creation: Each quarterback produces genuine, relatable content that resonates with their audience.
Maximizing Athlete Influencer Partnerships
For sports brand marketers looking to capitalize on these social media stars:
Leverage Sanders for Massive Exposure: Ideal for brands seeking widespread recognition and reach.
Tap into Dart and Johnson for Engaged Audiences: Perfect for brands looking for high interaction and authentic connections.
Develop Cross-Platform Campaigns: Utilize both Instagram and TikTok to maximize impact.
Focus on Authenticity: Encourage athletes to maintain their genuine voice in branded content.
Track and Optimize: Use tools like Out2Win's Intelligence Platform to monitor campaign performance and adjust strategies in real-time.
Shedeur Sanders stands as the unmatched leader in college football social media influence, offering unprecedented reach and visibility for brand partnerships. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart and Avery Johnson represent the exciting future of athlete influencer marketing, with their rapidly growing, highly engaged audiences.
For sports brand marketers, these athletes present a spectrum of opportunities - from massive exposure with Sanders to deeply engaged niche audiences with Dart and Johnson. By strategically partnering with these digital-savvy quarterbacks, brands can maximize their influencer marketing efforts, driving meaningful interactions and building lasting relationships in the dynamic world of college sports.