Emeka Egbuka has long been a standout on the field for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but off the field, he’s making just as much of a splash. In the age of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), Egbuka is capitalizing on his talents and presence to carve out a significant brand and income while still in college.
Emeka Egbuka’s NIL Valuation and Market Presence
With a NIL worth of over $933,000 as of early 2025, Egbuka is in the top 30 college football players in terms of NIL earnings. He currently holds the 29th position in college football and the 42nd position overall in On3’s NIL rankings.
He has more than 131,000 Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok followers, and his social media presence significantly increases the value of his brand.
This financial impact is evidence of Egbuka’s outstanding on-field performance and clever branding strategy.
Egbuka has collaborated with several major companies through NIL deals, reflecting both his national appeal and business savvy. Some of his most notable partnerships include:
Amazon Style: Egbuka’s partnership with Amazon Style’s fashion effort was showcased on a billboard located in Columbus’ Easton Town Centre.
Celsius Energy: Egbuka and other college football stars participated in a campaign to promote the company’s energy and health goods.
EA Sports: Egbuka took part in marketing campaigns for the company’s next college football video game.
Casey’s: Casey’s collaborated on regional marketing and branding projects with the Midwest-based convenience store company.
eFuse: He appeared in a live-streamed Fortnite tournament, thereby bridging the worlds of athletics and gaming.
The Foundation & The 1870 Society: He also partnered with Ohio State’s NIL-focused collectives to improve student-athlete opportunities.
Each of these agreements demonstrates Egbuka’s capacity to appeal to a wide range of consumers, including sports and lifestyle businesses, fashion enthusiasts, and gamers.
On-Field Effort Fuel Off-Field Value
Egbuka’s NIL earnings are impressive. However, they wouldn’t be possible without his outstanding performance on the field. In 2023, he recorded 74 receptions, 1,151 yards, and 10 touchdowns, averaging 15.6 yards per catch.
In 2024, he recorded 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility, consistency, and athleticism, which have made him a key player and attracted the attention of major brands.
Football wasn’t the only reason Egbuka decided to play another season in Columbus. In an interview with On3, he admitted that one of the reasons he decided to postpone joining the NFL Draft was the possibility of earning a respectable income through NIL.
“We’re able to make a little bit of an earning while we’re here in college, so I think it’s a bonus,” Egbuka said.
KEEP READING: Most Touching Reactions That Reveal Real Magic of NFL Draft Round 1 Picks Ft. Cam Ward, Emeka Egbuka
That sentiment is common among many top-tier athletes navigating today’s collegiate environment, where the value of staying in school has increased dramatically, thanks to NIL.
Finally, as Emeka Egbuka prepares for what could be his final season at Ohio State, both fans and brands will be on the look. His blend of athletic ability, professionalism, and branding prowess make him a model athlete in the NIL era. Whether on the field or off, Egbuka’s future continues to look bright.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
