In the new age of college football, star players are no longer simply competing for championships —they’re building a brand and piling up paychecks in the process. For Bowling Green State University tight end Harold Fannin Jr., the 2023 season was a coming-out party on the gridiron.
It was his emergence as a credible Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) success story out of a Group of Five institution. That’s where opportunities are traditionally harder to obtain. His statistics set the stat sheet ablaze, yet now the figures by his name in NIL valuation are gaining eyeballs throughout the country.
How Much Are Harold Fannin NIL Deals Worth?
As of spring 2025, Harold Fannin Jr.’s NIL value is estimated at around $78,000, per On3’s NIL Valuation Tracker. For a Mid-American Conference (MAC) tight end, that is considerable. It puts him among the highest-valued Group of Five players in the nation — an accomplishment fueled primarily by a breakout sophomore season in 2023.
Fannin closed the 2023 campaign with 41 catches for 550 yards and six touchdowns and was a First-Team All-MAC choice, paving the way as the conference’s best tight end. His athleticism, versatility, and capacity to be lined up in various positions made him a challenge to cover for defenders. And with Bowling Green’s offense on one of its most successful campaigns in years, Fannin became the target.
That success carried over off the field. Fannin has secured several NIL agreements, most of them with regional and local brands that tap into his popularity in Ohio and the surrounding region.
One such company is Apparel360, a Midwest athletic apparel company that partnered with Fannin to push their “MAC Mode” line of performance wear. He also partnered with the BGSU Bookstore on a limited-run “Fannin Fever” apparel drop. This sold out within days of its January 2024 launch.
But perhaps his most meaningful NIL deal is with the Toledo Youth Gridiron Foundation, where Fannin directs football camps and gives presentations on leadership and academics to youth athletes. The agreement not only bolsters his individual brand but also demonstrates how NIL agreements can extend beyond financial gain and make a difference in the community.
Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler spoke highly of his star tight end during a December 2023 press conference.
“Harold has been a difference-maker for us — not only on the field, but with how he conducts himself. He’s a locker room leader, a favorite among the fans, and now someone who is demonstrating what kind of impact NIL can have even at a place like Bowling Green.”
Social media has also assisted Fannin in boosting his worth. He has more than 12,000 followers on Instagram and keeps seeing consistent engagement in the form of game-day clips, training footage, and lifestyle content. His own hashtag, #FanTheFlame, has become synonymous with his name, often used by fans and partners.
Harold Fannin’s Net Worth
Harold Fannin Jr.’s ascension is also reflective of Bowling Green’s general NIL approach. In 2022, the university began its BGSU Elevate program to teach athletes about personal branding. It introduces them to local business partnerships and develops an infrastructure to assist them in the NIL arena.
By Opendorse’s 2024 figures, Bowling Green athletes experienced a 55 percent year-over-year boost in NIL income. Especially with football and men’s basketball taking the lead. The average NIL contract for Bowling Green student-athletes last year was approximately $2,100. It’s a figure that keeps rising as more corporations recognize the value in local talent.
Fannin’s emergence has made Bowling Green more visible in recruiting circles as well. Prospects are taking notice of how the school supports its athletes, even without the glitz and glamour of the Power Five.
Fannin has the same bright future. With eligibility still in his future and a potential bid at the 2025 NFL Draft, he is at a fork in the road. Another solid season can send his draft status skyrocketing and his NIL value into the six figures. This, provided he gets a national brand deal or some national media buzz.
Surprisingly, most think he could come back for one additional year, employing the 2024 season to enhance both his on-field reel and off-field marketability. With his momentum, the choice might reward him handsomely.
Former NFL tight end and MAC icon Ben Watson commented on Fannin’s emergence through X (formerly Twitter):
“Harold Fannin Jr. is the truth. Bowling Green has a special one. Keep watching.”
Harold Fannin Jr.’s NIL tale is confirmation that opportunity is not reserved for blue-blood programs or Heisman contenders. Through talent, timing, and charisma, players like Fannin are creating wealth and clout from smaller platforms. He’s not only building himself up — he’s bringing an entire program up into national NIL prominence.
KEEP READING: Top 300 Prospects — Get Your Free Printable 2025 NFL Draft Big Board
As the NIL world continues to change, keep an eye out for Fannin’s name to remain in the mix. Whether it’s more touchdowns, more sponsorships, or a leap to the NFL, he’s already proven that success at Bowling Green is about points on the board — and cash in the bank.
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