Top 5 most influential college athletes
2. Bryce Young, Alabama football
University of Alabama junior QB Bryce Young has an estimated $3.4 million NIL valuation 鈥� making him the highest earner in college sports at No. 4 on market valuation list of high school and college athletes. His social following just shy of 300K across and may seem low in comparison, but being Alabama鈥檚 QB means he has way more eyes on him. His fanbase has allowed him to ink endless NIL deals including with BMW of Tuscaloosa, Beats by Dre and Dr. Pepper鈥檚 鈥楩ansville鈥�.
Young鈥檚 ability to influence was boosted tenfold when he became the first Alabama QB to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Although he鈥檚 only 6-foot, Young is making an impact showing that you can still be the best even if you don鈥檛 fit the mold. There are a lot of eyes on Young as he could win the Heisman again this season and also be a future No. 1 NFL draft pick.