- The college football landscape has changed mightily regarding payment. Do college football players get paid? Click here to find out.
- The current NIL rules were passed in July 2021.
- In the 2025-26 season, a salary cap-like model for college teams is expected to be around $22 million.
The introduction of NIL has undoubtedly altered the trajectory of many college football teams, and I suspect this will impact NCAA football odds for years to come.
Before you head over to check out the football odds for college ball at the BetMGM online sportsbook, continue reading below to learn more about NIL and see how much the players make.
How Much Do College Football Players Make?
While many college football players get paid to play for their D1 programs, there’s a lot of variability.
However, there have been rumblings about the “range” for a quality starter at various positions.
These players are played via NIL “collectives,” which pool funds from various boosters and use that money to attract players.
A Power Four school’s range for a quality starter is roughly $500,000 to $800,000, but exceptions exist.
Other positions like running backs are considered in the $200,000 to $300,000 range, though Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez was expected to get about $400,000 before he left Oregon State for Miami.
The amount a player is paid depends on their skill and the school that’s courting them. Some schools have larger collectives than others.
For the 2025-26 season, a salary cap-like model, possibly around $22 million, is expected.
What Is NIL in College Football?
NIL is an acronym for Name, Image, and Likeness.
This allows players to earn profit based on their branding. Players can sign endorsement deals, appear in advertisements, sell merchandise, sign autographs, make appearances, start businesses, and more.
The current NIL policy was approved on July 1, 2021.
