The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, but McNeese State has given fans an unexpected star off the court. While the team is focused on its first-round matchup against Clemson, the internet has turned its attention to student manager Amir Khan. With his signature boombox, Khan has become a viral sensation.
McNeese State’s Amir Khan Turns Into a Business Pioneer
Amir Khan, affectionately known as “Aura,” has become a household name thanks to a simple but electrifying routine. Before every game, he leads McNeese players out of the tunnel, blasting rap music from his boombox.
McNeese State manager Amir Khan is making over $100k in NIL endorsements, per @MattNorlander.
Khan graduates this spring with a Sports Management degree, so don’t be surprised if he is eventually involved with an NBA franchise in some capacity. pic.twitter.com/l7oJ2dLXnK
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 22, 2025
The athlete hyped up the squad with his passionate singalongs. One of his standout performances featured Lud Foe’s “In & Out,” a moment that captured the attention of fans and players alike.
“Not only did I know the song, but it is one of my favorite songs,” Khan told The Associated Press this week.
His pregame tradition quickly became an internet sensation when McNeese social media director Phillip Mitchell Jr. posted a video of Khan leading the team. The clip racked up nearly 200,000 views on X, catapulting him into the national spotlight.
Evan Sidery, a prominent sports analyst, later reposted the video with the caption: “McNeese State manager Amir Khan is making over $100k in NIL endorsements, per @MattNorlander.”
As his popularity skyrocketed, so did his business opportunities. Khan became the first student manager in NCAA history to secure NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. He did it by signing endorsements with Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies.
A Valued Member of the McNeese Family
Guard DJ Richards Jr. emphasized just how much student managers like Khan contribute behind the scenes.
“The managers, they really don’t get credit for what they do,” Richards told the AP.
“They follow us all year. They rebound for us. They get up early and then they still have to go to class and come back and rebound again. … I love that Amir is getting this.”
Assistant coach Reed Vial echoed that sentiment, praising Khan for his humility and work ethic even amid his rising stardom.
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“Amir Khan, you are officially a pioneer,” Vial wrote on social media. “In the wildest couple of weeks anyone could have, you’ve stayed so humble & true to yourself. First-ever college student manager to ink a NIL deal… 3 deals… all with global brands… in a week! Keep going. You deserve it all.”
As McNeese continues its tournament run, Khan’s visibility is only expected to grow. His NIL earnings have already surpassed $100,000. He could increase significantly if the Cowboys manage to advance, as he’s leaving McNeese to go to NC State with head coach Will Wade.
McNeese fans, players, and coaches alike are rallying behind Khan, excited to see what comes next. Could he become the face of NIL opportunities for student managers?
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