How much do college football transfers earn in the NIL and revenue-sharing era?

How much do college football transfers earn in the NIL and revenue-sharing era?

Our Summary

The college football transfer portal has become a focal point for team-building strategies, particularly following the House v. NCAA settlement that allows schools to pay players directly. Power 4 programs are managing substantial payrolls, often spending large sums on transfers who can provide immediate impact. Quarterbacks command the highest salaries, with top players like Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby and Arizona State's Sam Leavitt expected to receive offers exceeding $4 million. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State's new transfer, Drew Mestemaker, is set to earn $7.5 million over two years.

Offensive tackles and defensive linemen are also costly, reflecting their critical roles in protecting and pressuring quarterbacks. Salaries for these positions range from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars. Offensive skill positions such as running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends vary widely in compensation, influenced by positional scarcity and team needs. Defensive backs see similar variability, with top boundary cornerbacks potentially earning up to $1 million.

Linebackers and

Originally by Sam Khan Jr.on January 5, 2026
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