Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders could both be among the top three picks of next year’s NFL draft.
The Colorado Buffaloes duo dominated on and off the field this season as two of the biggest rising stars in sports.
Sanders’ Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) valuation came in at a whopping $6.2million – seeing him lead the country, according to On3.
Hunter’s estimated $5.2million package was good enough for second place, meaning the path is clear for a new leader to emerge.
LSU sensation Livvy Dunne was one of the first athletes to truly cash in on the new rules – which allow student athletes to cash in on their profile for the first time ever – by using her social media influence to bring in six-figure endorsements.
The gymnast is in her fifth and final year of eligibility as the Tigers look to defend their National Championship in 2025.
With around $4.2million in annual earnings, she will remain high in the ranks.
But a young quarterback looking to live up to a very famous last name is in pole position to come out on top.
Arch Manning spent this season as the Texas Longhorns’ backup signal-caller behind Quinn Ewers.
Ewers has steered the third seed into the playoffs, with a clash against the No. 16 Clemson Tigers on Saturday, and is being tipped to enter the NFL next year.
“Sources say Quinn Ewers still plans to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, paving the way for Arch Manning to take over in 2025. Manning is locked in with Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian, with no plans to transfer. Right now, both are dialed in on Clemson,” Longhorns reporter Anwar Richardson wrote on X.
Manning – Peyton and Eli’s nephew – is already raking in an estimated $5million a year – good enough for third in the rankings.
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With the added exposure of starting every week, it will be hard to knock him off his perch, but No.1 basketball recruit AJ Dybantsa could run him close after signing for BYU.
Hunter claimed the Heisman Trophy this season in a hard-fought race against Ashton Jeanty – a rare non-QB winner.
Manning is already being slotted in among the favorites for next year’s edition.
“Name value goes a long way with Arch Manning, but so too does his production in limited action this season,” 247Sports wrote.
“Albeit against two Group of Five opponents and the worst team in the SEC, Manning was terrific in his three starts, completing 50 of his 72 throws for 806 yards and totaling 10 touchdowns with his arm and legs.
“Manning continued to make it difficult for Steve Sarkisian to keep him off the field and earned a role in running packages down the stretch.
“He is the future of the Texas offense, and he may enter the 2025 season with more buzz than anyone in the sport.”
Manning’s grandfather Archie – who began the family dynasty as a 14-year NFL QB – has already named what team he would like the teen to play for.
“It’s funny, nobody’s ever asked me that. Right off the bat, if somebody asked me, I’d say Cowboys,” he said.
Archie famously played a major role in ensuring his son Eli ended up on the New York Giants.
The San Diego Chargers held the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft and were believed to be set on Manning.
But Archie caused a stir when he said Eli would refuse to play if he was drafted by San Diego – leading to a deal being agreed that saw Phillip Rivers head to the Chargers.
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