When Waymond Jordan committed to the USC Trojans in January 2024, it wasn’t just another routine transfer. Jordan came in with a JUCO resume that turned heads—and an NIL deal that turned the college football world on its side.
Before he even suited up for a single Power Five game, the explosive running back inked a major endorsement with C4 Energy. This puts him in the same league as household names like Quinn Ewers and Zachariah Branch.
Waymond Jordan Is Winning the NIL Game Before His First Snap
For a guy who just left junior college, that’s not just rare—it’s revolutionary. And it signals something bigger: the new face of the modern college football athlete is savvy, skilled, and ready to cash in on their moment. Now, in a bold move, C4 Energy signed him to a significant NIL deal shortly after he landed in L.A.
USC running back Waymond Jordan has inked an NIL deal with C4 Energy.
The NJCAA DI Football Offensive Player of the Year totaled 1,614 rushing yards and 20 TDs in 2024. https://t.co/imdnfF9HyD pic.twitter.com/RdqrkOtMB6
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) June 2, 2025
The brand, a powerhouse in the performance drink space, has been steadily expanding its athlete roster, and Jordan became one of its newest faces. Before fans could even watch Jordan break a single tackle at the Coliseum, he made waves off the field.
He joined a loaded NIL crew including Quinn Ewers (Texas QB) and Zachariah Branch (USC WR), which shows the brand is serious about investing in rising stars with real upside. But what really stood out? Jordan’s engagement rate.
According to Out2Win Sports, the agency that helped broker the deal, Jordan boasts a 24.43% engagement rate across his social platforms.
In today’s NIL era, it’s not just about how many followers you have—it’s about how well your audience listens, reacts, and connects. Jordan’s journey from JUCO to USC offers a relatable underdog story, making him more than just an athlete.
Jordan didn’t take the traditional road to USC, but he sure made it unforgettable. In 2023, he dominated at East Central Community College, earning NJCAA Region 23 Offensive Player of the Year. His numbers?
Absolutely video game-like: 1,614 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 134.5 yards per game—all while leading the nation in both major rushing categories at the JUCO level.
Originally committed to UCF, Jordan made a late flip to USC, officially enrolling in January 2024. It was a timely arrival. The Trojans had just lost their top rusher, MarShawn Lloyd, to the NFL Draft, and Jordan’s hard-nosed running style filled a critical hole in the backfield.
Lincoln Riley didn’t hesitate to praise him. “Really compact, moves effortlessly, and obviously a ton of production,” the head coach noted.
Jordan was quickly slotted into a refreshed running back rotation alongside Eli Sanders (New Mexico State transfer) and sophomore Bryan Jackson—a group designed to give USC the run-game spark it lacked at times in 2023.
Though Riley is known for airing it out, his most effective offenses (think Oklahoma with Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts) had elite balance. Jordan’s mix of downhill power, contact balance, and underrated hands out of the backfield gave him every chance to be an immediate contributor.
Why Los Angeles Is the Place to Be For USC’s NIL Machine?
Let’s be real—location matters. And USC is sitting right in the middle of NIL gold.
With Hollywood just down the road, a world-class media market, and an alumni network that stretches from Silicon Valley to the silver screen, USC players have opportunities few schools can match.
Through its collective House of Victory, USC has turned its NIL structure into a well-oiled machine.
That, combined with Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen’s leadership, has helped USC become a serious player in the national NIL arms race alongside giants like Ohio State, Texas, and Oregon.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
What makes Jordan’s NIL success even more impressive is that he entered a competitive running back room. He wasn’t guaranteed 20 carries a game. Jordan’s social reach, hustle, and humble backstory made him a marketer’s dream.
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