Wisconsin's Graham Mertz, Braelon Allen sign NIL deals with Pepsi

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Braelon Allen announced on Twitter and Instagram, respectively, that each signed an NIL deal with Pepsi in the latest example of a national brand reaching an agreement with college athletes.

“What’s up @BadgerFootball fans?” each wrote on social media. “I teamed up with @Pepsi because Wisconsin Football is better with Pepsi. Find exclusive Badger graphics on Pepsi packages at all your favorite stores now. See you on Saturdays! #OnWisconsin #PepsiPartner”

Mertz, a former On3 Consensus four-star recruit, completed 59 percent of his attempts for 1,958 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, when Wisconsin went 9-4. The Badgers beat Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Allen, also a former On3 Consensus four-star recruit, rushed for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman.

Wisconsin debuted at No. 18 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. The Badgers received 31 of the 36 possible first-place votes to win the Big Ten West in the unofficial Big Ten preseason media poll.

Wisconsin will open the 2022 season at home against Illinois State on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Braelon Allen, Graham Mertz’s On3 NIL Valuations

Allen’s On3 NIL Valuation of $445,000 ranks No. 70 among college football players. Mertz has an On3 NIL Valuation of $144,000, which ranks No. 313 among college football players.

Four quarterbacks — Alabama‘s Bryce Young, Ohio State‘s CJ Stroud, USC‘s Caleb Williams and South Carolina‘s Spencer Rattler — rank first through fourth, respectively, in terms of the highest On3 NIL Valuations among college football players.

The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets the standard market NIL value for high school and college athletes. Its proprietary algorithm includes data points including an athlete’s performance, influence and exposure.

Allen ranks just outside of the On3 NIL 100, which is the first of its kind and the defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by market valuation.

Right now, Jackson State safety Shilo Sanders ranks No. 100 with an On3 NIL Valuation of $470,000.

Mertz has previously signed deals with Raising Cane’s, sports memorabilia and collectible company Panini America and the experience booking platform Engage. Allen has previously signed with Barstool Sports.

Allen’s NIL opportunities could increase this season if he’s able to continue his freshman-year production. When Vegas Insider released its Heisman Trophy odds earlier this month, Allen’s odds were tied for the 18th-best at +6600. Two Wisconsin running backs, Alan Ameche and Ron Dayne, have previously won the Heisman Trophy.