09/16/2026
The list of the highest-paid college football players for 2026 is in:
1. Darian Mensah, QB, Miami Hurricanes: $6.5 million
2. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon Ducks: $5 million
3. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss Rebels: $5 million
4. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes: $5 million
5. Sam Leavitt, QB, LSU Tigers: $4.5 million
Numbers like these are another reminder that top college athletes are no longer just athletes. They’re running multimillion-dollar businesses. At this level, NIL deals, revenue-sharing agreements, endorsement contracts, IP rights, taxes, and long-term business planning all become part of the picture.
Highest-Paid College Football Players 2026: Who is the highest-paid player in college football? Here are the top CFB NIL valuations right now.