Who are the top NIL earners in the SEC right now?

The University of Alabama announced Friday that sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams just inked an NIL contract with Nike.

On Nike’s homepage, Williams released a statement:

“Since I can remember, Nike has always been the best fit on and off the field,” he said. “Family has always been a huge part of who I am. When I had the opportunity to join the Nike family, I knew I had to just do it.”

Although details of his contract have not been released to the public yet, you have to think that Williams will be one of the highest-paid college athletes in the game.

Williams was a breakout superstar for the Tide, amassing 865 yards and eight touchdowns last season, with his most famous catch coming in a victory against Georgia. 

So, who are some of the highest-paid NIL athletes in the SEC?

The list may surprise you. While some names are familiar, others may leave you shaking your head. It shouldn’t be a shock that the SEC leads the country with four players in the top 10 on that list (most likely five now because of Williams), and with the exception of Williams, all were quarterbacks led by Texas QB Arch Manning, who earns about $6.8 million.

The second and third highest-paid players behind Manning are LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier, who makes about $4 million a year, and South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers, who makes just under $4 million as well. Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway rounds out the list. 

Now, there are several reports that President Trump plans to sign an executive order that will limit NIL payments to student-athletes, which may please a lot of people who think that NIL was getting out of control and that bigger schools (as many predicted) would have an advantage over smaller schools.

That may explain why Williams and other student-athletes may be cutting deals now.