Introduction
College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams every year. While college football players are not paid salaries like their professional counterparts, they can still earn a significant amount of money through endorsements, sponsorships, and other opportunities. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 highest paid college football players in 2023.
The Criteria
To compile this list, we looked at a variety of factors including on-field performance, off-field earnings, and overall popularity. While on-field performance is important, we also took into account factors such as social media following, endorsement deals, and overall marketability.
The Top 10 Highest Paid College Football Players in 2023
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Trevor Lawrence is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and his on-field success has translated into a significant amount of off-field earnings. Lawrence has endorsement deals with companies such as Adidas and Gatorade, and he also has a sizable social media following. In 2023, Lawrence is expected to earn over $5 million in off-field earnings.
2. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Justin Fields burst onto the scene in 2020, leading Ohio State to the College Football Playoff. Fields’ success on the field has translated into off-field earnings, as he has endorsement deals with companies such as Nike and Beats by Dre. In 2023, Fields is expected to earn over $4 million in off-field earnings.
3. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Sam Howell has quickly become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football, and his success has not gone unnoticed by sponsors. Howell has endorsement deals with companies such as Bojangles’ and Pepsi, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Howell is expected to earn over $3 million in off-field earnings.
4. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Spencer Rattler took over as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback in 2020, and he quickly became one of the most exciting players in college football. Rattler has endorsement deals with companies such as Adidas and Chipotle, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Rattler is expected to earn over $2 million in off-field earnings.
5. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Derek Stingley Jr. is one of the best cornerbacks in college football, and his success on the field has translated into off-field earnings. Stingley has endorsement deals with companies such as Nike and Coca-Cola, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Stingley is expected to earn over $2 million in off-field earnings.
6. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux is one of the most dominant defensive players in college football, and his success on the field has translated into off-field earnings. Thibodeaux has endorsement deals with companies such as Under Armour and Subway, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Thibodeaux is expected to earn over $2 million in off-field earnings.
7. Kedon Slovis, QB, USC
Kedon Slovis burst onto the scene in 2019, leading USC to a 8-4 record. Slovis has endorsement deals with companies such as Nike and Chick-fil-A, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Slovis is expected to earn over $1.5 million in off-field earnings.
8. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Bijan Robinson is one of the most exciting running backs in college football, and his success on the field has translated into off-field earnings. Robinson has endorsement deals with companies such as Adidas and Dr Pepper, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Robinson is expected to earn over $1 million in off-field earnings.
9. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Breece Hall is one of the most productive running backs in college football, and his success on the field has translated into off-field earnings. Hall has endorsement deals with companies such as Nike and McDonald’s, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Hall is expected to earn over $1 million in off-field earnings.
10. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Jaylen Waddle is one of the most electrifying players in college football, and his success on the field has translated into off-field earnings. Waddle has endorsement deals with companies such as Jordan Brand and Pepsi, and he also has a significant social media following. In 2023, Waddle is expected to earn over $1 million in off-field earnings.
Conclusion
While college football players are not paid salaries like their professional counterparts, they can still earn a significant amount of money through endorsements, sponsorships, and other opportunities. The top 10 highest paid college football players in 2023 are all incredibly talented on the field, but they also have a significant amount of off-field earnings. It will be interesting to see how these players continue to perform on the field, and how their off-field earnings continue to grow in the coming years.