With the college basketball season just days away, there is a lot of hype among fans worldwide. While all of them are hoping for a championship this year, unfortunately, there can only be one victor. But while there will be only one champion at the end of the season, there will be no shortage of players who will put up electric performances. Especially with the NIL deals shaping the atmosphere of college basketball, all players would be motivated to put up flashy highlights and attract more and more endorsements.

Some players are already locked into multi-million dollar deals with various sponsors. Given the substantial amount of money paid to these players, they would naturally carry the majority of the load on their teams. While most of the players are getting paid top dollars from the later stages of their college careers, there are some surprises as well. With all that being said, let’s look at the Top 10 NIL stars before we begin Week 1 of college basketball.

A.J. Dybantsa

The first player in the list is the electrifying BYU Cougars’ wing, A.J. Dybansta. The consensus number 1 recruit for the 2025 class, A.J., already has plenty of hardware to his name. He has already earned gold medals for Team USA and was also named the MVP at the U19 FIBA World Cup.

What’s even more surprising than his accomplishments is that he has the largest NIL deals at the moment, and that too, as a freshman. As things stand, his NIL deals are valued at $4.1 million, including endorsements from brands such as Nike, Redbull and Fanatics.

JT Toppin

JT Toppin is considered to be one of the brightest prospects in college basketball at the moment. After finishing his sophomore year, averaging 18.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, he was named to Second-Team All-American honors following the 2024-25 season. The Texas forward is slated to have a big year this year as well and is certainly one to look out for. As things stand, he has NIL deals worth $2.8 million.

Yaxel Ledenborg

Playing his final year of eligibility, the Michigan Wolverines forward is the next best prospect to look out for during week 1 of college basketball. His stat line clearly shows why he is considered to be one of the best two-way players this season. He finished last season with averages of 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. But that is not all. He is equally effective defensively as well. He is a two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year and is in the rarified company of being the only player to record 600 points, 400 rebounds, and 150 assists in a season. The only other player to do so is Larry Bird.

As things stand, Yaxel has an NIL deal valuation of $2.3 million.

Boogie Fland

The next player to look forward to is the Florida Gators’ guard Boogie Fland. Despite missing significant time due to a thumb injury, Boogie is one of the best point guards in his class. After playing his rookie season at Arkansas and leading them to the Sweet 16, Boogie Fland transferred to the Gators. He had initially declared for the NBA draft, but then decided to return for another year. Right now, he has an NIL deal worth approximately $2.1 million. Some of his popular endorsement deals include deals from Crossover Culture and Spreadshop.

Donovan Dent

Coming next on the list is another point guard, Donovon Dent. While others may be famous for their flashy passes, Donovon is famous for being one of the best floor generals in the country. In his junior year, he recorded multiple games of 20+ points and double-digit assists. His performances were so impactful that his UCLA head coach dubbed him a “program changer.” Now in his senior year, he would be looking to end his college basketball career on a high note. In terms of his NIL deals, as things stand, he has a valuation of $2 million.

Jayden Quaintance

The next player on the list is one of the most sought-after ones this year. However, due to injury, we would have to wait some time to see him in action. Jayden Quaintance is one of the most crucial players for Kentucky. His impact is so big that even after his school defeated Purdue, his head coach admitted to having concerns for the team. Although his freshman year ended with a devastating ACL injury, he had done enough to earn NIL deals worth $1.9 million. Some of his most famous endorsements are with Panini America and PSD Underwear.

Braden Smith

Speaking of Purdue, Braden Smith is going to play a big role in the team’s success this year. Even though the team is the preseason favorite, Point Guard Braden Smith would have a big responsibility to ensure that the predictions come true. His numbers are nothing short of legendary. He is the first player in NCAA history to record at least 1300 points, 700 assists, and 500 rebounds in his first three seasons. In terms of his NIL deals, Braden Smith has a valuation of $1.9 million, with one of the most prominent deals with HEYDUDE Shoes.

Moustapha Thiam

Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, Moustapha Thiam had a freshman year to remember. He was the only freshman in the Big East Conference to average 10+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 2.5+ blocks per game. He ended the season with the program’s second-highest 88 blocks. With more experience under his belt, he would be expected to take the next step and evolve his game for the Cincinnati Bearcats. As things stand, Moustapha has a NIL deals valuation of $1.8 million.

Oscar Cluff

The second player from Purdue in this list is Oscar Cluff. The 6’11” forward hails originally from Australia and is one of the most hyped transfers in recent history. What surprises the most about his game is the quick footwork and agility he has for someone this tall. His physical play on both ends of the floor has convinced many that he has a frame that is already ready for the NBA. His dominant performances are a big factor in his getting NIL deals worth $1.7 million till now.

P.J. Haggerty

Another transfer who has excited a lot of fans is the Kansas State shooting guard, P.J. Haggerty. The 6’3” guard averaged 21.7 points per game on 47.6% shooting and earned American Athletic Conference Player of the Year during his year in Memphis. He initially planned to declare for the 2025 NBA draft; however, he ultimately decided to spend one more year and develop his game even further. As things stand, Haggerty has NIL deals with a valuation of $1.7 million.

With just a few days left until the season is upon us, it will be very interesting to see how these players perform. They are some of the, if not the highest paid, college players in the country. And now that they have that tag attached to them, let’s see who thrives under the pressure and who crumbles.