The quarterback position seems to have gotten a lot more competitive in college football, in large part due to NIL.
In the most recent NIL database published by On3, there will be over 20 starting quarterbacks who will earn over $1 million this fall, with at least five of them earning more than $3 million. Here are the 10 highest earners going into the 2025 season.
1. Darian Mensah, Duke – $4 Million
The Tulane transfer signed a two-year, $8M contract with Duke, where he will pocket a base salary of $4M in 2025, with incentives that carry the deal over the $10M mark.
2. Carson Beck, Miami – $3.2 Million
Beck turned down the NFL Draft before landing a contract worth between $3M and $3.2M with Miami that could potentially reach up to $6 million dollars when incentives are hit.
3. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska — $3 Million+
The ascending sophomore also has contracts with Adidas and Panini and is expected to earn more than $3M this fall.
4. Bryce Underwood, Michigan — $3 Million
The No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting class decommitted from LSU and committed to Michigan and will be paid $3M as a freshman.
5. Drew Allar, Penn State — $3 Million
Following his leadership of PSU to a CFP semifinal in 2024, Allar comes back with a $3M+ contract linked to NIL collectives and endorsements.
6. John Mateer, Oklahoma — $2.5–3 Million
The transfer QB has brought WSU coordinator Ben Arbuckle with him to Norman and secured himself a $2.5M to $3M payment guarantee.
7. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt — $2 Million+
The two-threat QB who shocked Alabama in 2024 will make a little over $2M in 2024 in Nashville as a Commodore.
8. Avery Johnson, Kansas State — $2 Million
The offense of Kansas State revolves around Johnson who has already accumulated 4,000+ total yards in his career. He is projected to be worth over $2M in 2025.
9. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina — $1.8 Million
The sophomore QB breakout star puts South Carolina in the playoff discussion and will make about 1.8M.
10. Josh Hoover, TCU — $1.75 Million
Hoover decided to remain in Fort Worth and signed a contract of 1.75M after throwing 6,157 yards and 42 TDs throughout his career.
Bottom Line
The NIL era seems to be in full effect as the quarterback market itself has reached an unprecedented high according to ON3. Duke paying 4 million for their QB1 shows the widening gap between elite recruits and mid-tier quarterbacks.
As the 2025-26 season kicks off, teams will start to evaluate whether their investment was worth all the money that they paid.
Read More:
Duke QB Darian Mensah Uses His Platform To Aid Single Moms Affected by Fires in California
