Top football recruits share their dream NIL brand

The NCAA’s interim NIL policy, adopted in June 2021, has allowed college athletes to sign endorsement deals with some brands they dreamed of working with as kids.

Gatorade has worked closely with UConn star Paige Bueckers. USC quarterback Caleb Williams was the honorary starter for NASCAR’s Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum. Even Dr Pepper has been involved, filming commercials with quarterbacks Bryce Young and DJ Uiagalelei.

At last month’s On3 NIL Elite Series presented by Mizuno, some of the top recruits in the nation descended on Nashville. Twenty-two of the top 100 prospects in the 2024 recruiting class made the trip. Some athletes are already able to monetize their publicity rights and ink deals as high schoolers, but most will have to wait until they enroll in college.

On3 surveyed some of the prospects to find out what their dream NIL deals will be once they are in the college ranks.

Five-star Clemson linebacker commit Sammy Brown: “You know, Head and Shoulders would be cool because of the mullet. That would be pretty sick to have an NIL deal with.”

Four-star Florida quarterback commit DJ Lagway: “I’m going to say Jordan. I want that Jordan deal. That’s something I’ve always looked forward to.”

Five-star offensive lineman Brandon Baker: “I would say Jordan. That would definitely be something really cool. Growing up, watching all the top athletes like Kobe [Bryant] and LeBron [James] have their own shoes. Why not me? I played basketball until I was 13, 14, so for about three years.”

Five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston: “Definitely Nike. Either Nike or Jordan. Just because they’re worldwide. Playing for a Nike school doesn’t matter. Having a deal with them would be great because a lot of schools are Nike, so a lot of things come in. That’s what I’ve been growing up wearing.”

Four-star Florida State running back commit Kam Davis: “I probably say Nike. I love Nike apparel, the texture of their clothes. I’d say Nike is the best.”

Three-star Tennessee defensive line commit Carson Gentle: “I think Gatorade would definitely be a top dream brand. Also Nike, and I am really big on Fairlife Core Power.”