Which College Programs Offer the Best NIL Support in 2026? Here’s What Athletes Are Saying
The NIL era has matured. What once felt like a chaotic gold rush of brand deals and booster-backed collectives is now evolving into something more strategic—and, in many cases, more personal. Athletes are starting to speak up, not just about how much money they’re earning, but how supported they feel by the programs they represent.
A recent report from Sports Illustrated, in collaboration with Athletes.org, sheds new light on this shift. For the first time, we’re seeing a national ranking based on how athletes themselves perceive their schools’ NIL support—not just how big the checks are, but how strong the infrastructure is around them.
Here’s what the data shows, why it matters, and what it means for recruits, collectives, and college programs trying to lead in the NIL space.
Which College Programs Offer the Best NIL Support in 2026: The Schools Where Athletes Feel Most Supported
This athlete-driven survey asked student-athletes across the country a simple but powerful question: How well is your school supporting you in NIL? Athletes' ability, on-field performance, and the level of interest they generate among fans and brands during the season all contribute to their NIL opportunities and the support they seek.
The results don’t always align with the biggest paydays or flashiest headlines. Instead, they highlight schools that prioritize education, transparency, and real partnership. NIL allows college athletes to profit from their personal brand, including their name, image, and likeness.
Top Programs for NIL Support (Athlete-Rated)
Ohio State University
Clemson University
Michigan State University
Purdue University
University of Michigan
University of Maryland
University of Iowa
Texas Christian University (TCU)
Penn State University
Indiana University
These programs were praised for everything from individualized NIL education to open-door compliance teams and proactive partnerships with local and national brands.
Notably, Ohio State stood out not just for the volume of NIL deals, but for how deeply integrated their NIL strategy is across athletics, compliance, and branding. Ohio State has an estimated NIL budget of $20 million, making it one of the top spenders in college football, with most of this coming from third-party NIL deals. As a result, athletes at Ohio State are among the best paid in the country due to this robust NIL support.
As one athlete told SI, “It’s not just about helping us get deals—it’s about helping us understand them, manage them, and build something that lasts.”
Beyond the Dollar Signs
It’s important to understand what this new ranking is—and isn’t.
It’s not a leaderboard of the highest-paying programs. Schools like Texas, Miami, and USC may lead in overall NIL dollars, thanks to deep-pocketed collectives and booster ecosystems. Texas has the highest estimated NIL budget at $23 million, while Texas A&M ranks fourth among college football programs with $18.5 million. Oregon is recognized for its strong NIL support, significantly backed by wealthy donors and collectives. Miami has made significant NIL investments to attract top recruits and transfers, including a $4 million deal for a transfer quarterback. USC has been aggressive in the NIL market, aiming to rebuild its football program, and Tennessee has also been active in NIL, helping secure top talent. These schools often rely on organized groups, such as NIL collectives and alumni groups, to provide financial and strategic support. Compared to other schools, their NIL spending and transfer strategies are often more competitive, reflecting their ambitions to win a national championship. But they don’t always appear on this list of athlete-rated support systems.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t successful in NIL. It just means that support, from the athlete’s point of view, includes much more than cash.
What today’s athletes are asking for:
Transparent communication from coaches and staff
Education around contracts, taxes, and brand strategy
Help building a social presence and long-term identity
Legal support and deal review
Access to networking and mentorship
When these needs are met, athletes say they’re more confident, more empowered, and ultimately, more successful—not just on social media, but in life beyond the game.
Trends Defining NIL in 2026
The 2025-26 season introduces a new revenue-sharing model, allowing some schools to pay athletes directly up to $20.5 million per year, which is separate from NIL deals. These direct payments are not considered a salary in the traditional sense, as athletes are not classified as employees of the athletic department. All direct payments must be overseen by the College Sports Commission (CSC), which sets standards and reviews contracts. Additionally, any NIL payment of $600 or more must now be officially reported to improve accountability and transparency. Under the House v. NCAA settlement, schools are allowed to share athletic department revenues with student athletes beginning July 1, 2025. These changes not only impact athlete compensation but also contribute to job creation and broader economic benefits for universities and local communities.
If 2021–2023 were the wild west years of NIL, 2026 feels more like the start of something sustainable. Here are the key themes driving that change:
1. Athlete Voices Are Driving the Conversation
Surveys like this one shift the narrative. In the NIL era, there is a growing sense of entitlement and heightened expectations among student-athletes, which impacts how they evaluate the support provided by schools. Recruits and families are now asking questions about how schools support their players, not just how much they pay.
2. Compliance and Deal Structure Matter More Than Ever
Hundreds of deals have recently been flagged or rejected by athletic departments for failing to meet compliance standards. Schools that build internal review teams are earning athlete trust, and some programs are doing just fine by focusing on compliance and athlete trust, even if their NIL spending is not the highest.
3. Long-Term Brand Building > One-Off Sponsorships
Power programs leverage their influence and resources to help athletes build long-term brand value. Athletes are focusing on audience growth, content creation, and strategic partnerships that add real value—not just fast cash.
4. Education Is the New NIL Currency
More schools are launching NIL training academies, financial literacy programs, and content studios to give their athletes an edge. The goal? Help guys become influencers with intention, making the section more conversational and relatable.
The Importance of Fairness and Equality
The arrival of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has ushered in a new era for college football, transforming how athletes, schools, and fans experience the game. While NIL has opened doors for top players to profit from their personal brand, social media posts, and business ventures, it’s also brought new challenges—especially when it comes to fairness and equality among college football playoff teams.
Today, the revenue sharing era has created a landscape where powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Oregon have a clear edge. With deep financial backing and robust NIL collectives, these schools can offer the most money and the most lucrative NIL deals, making them magnets for top talent. Media contracts and big money boosters only widen the gap, allowing these programs to dominate both on the field and in the NIL marketplace.
Meanwhile, many schools—including rising programs like James Madison and even established names like Texas Tech and Georgia—find themselves fighting to keep up. The transfer portal has become a game-changer, with athletes often choosing their next team based on NIL opportunities rather than just playing time, coaching, or team culture. For schools without the funds to compete with the biggest spenders, attracting and retaining top players is an uphill battle.
The college sports commission has stepped in with rules to promote accountability and transparency in NIL spending, but the divide between the “haves” and “have nots” remains a pressing issue. Some experts argue that stricter regulations on NIL spending and more robust revenue sharing are needed to level the playing field. By allocating a portion of NIL funds to support less fortunate programs, college football could ensure that all schools have a fair shot at success.
But fairness and equality in college football go beyond just dollars and cents. Coaches and athletic departments must help athletes balance their personal brand ambitions with the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. The goal is to create a system where athletes can profit from their name image and likeness, but where the integrity and competitiveness of college sports remain intact.
As the NIL era continues to evolve, the future of college football depends on finding this balance. Prioritizing transparency, accountability, and revenue sharing will help create a system where all programs—regardless of their financial backing—can compete, attract talent, and win based on merit, not just money. The best teams and players should rise through hard work, dedication, and support, not simply the size of their NIL deals.
The conversation about fairness and equality is far from over. To stay updated on the latest developments in college football, NIL deals, and the ongoing push for a more level playing field, follow us for more posts and join the discussion. Comment below with your thoughts on how college sports can create a fairer, more competitive world for all athletes and programs. Your voice matters in shaping the future of the game.
What This Means for Recruits, Coaches, and Collectives
For athletes evaluating schools, this list is a wake-up call. NIL potential shouldn’t just be measured in money—it should be measured in support.
If you're a high school recruit (or a parent), ask questions like:
Who helps manage NIL at your school?
Do you offer NIL education or legal support?
What kinds of partnerships have your athletes built in the past year?
For collectives and athletic departments, the takeaway is equally clear: success in NIL depends on more than funding. It depends on trust, transparency, and tools.
The collectives and schools that win in 2026 will be those that make NIL approachable and sustainable—not just profitable.
Final Thoughts
As we move deeper into the NIL era, the schools that separate themselves won’t just be the ones offering the biggest paydays. They’ll be the ones that treat NIL like a true part of the athlete experience—rooted in education, empowerment, and purpose.
NCAA Division I athletes are estimated to receive over $2.3 billion in total NIL and revenue sharing compensation during the 2025-26 academic year. The average estimated roster cost for college football playoff teams is just under $26 million, with about $15 million coming from revenue sharing and $11 million from third-party NIL. Many schools are experiencing significant operating losses, which are exacerbated by the costs associated with revenue sharing and NIL deals. Additionally, the total value of NIL deals submitted for approval appears to be only a fraction of what is reportedly being paid, indicating potential non-compliance with reporting requirements.
The impact of NIL is evident in programs like the Crimson Tide, where Nick Saban’s leadership and football success have not only brought multiple national championships but also transformed the University of Alabama’s profile and enrollment. However, there is growing doubt about the sustainability of current NIL trends, with some expressing skepticism about long-term booster support and the fairness of the system.
Athletes are watching. And now, they’re speaking up.