Surprising NIL Wins: DII & DIII Athletes Scoring NIL Cash

Meet 5 talented student-athletes proving you don’t need to be D1 to cash in on NIL

Student-athletes are scoring huge payouts from new NIL opportunities. Big endorsements, shiny cars, and trending stories that almost break the Internet are nothing new. What some find surprising, however, is a new wave of Division 2 and Division 3 athletes that are following suit. 

If you work in digital advertising, this shift is nothing new. We’ve seen it play out before. As the early 2000s ushered in the first wave of social media and user generated content, so too it created an influencer marketing industry dominated by each platform’s biggest stars. 

Over time, however, things started to shift. By 2020, a new trend emerged as businesses began actively looking for microinfluencers to add more value to their marketing efforts. 

“As the name suggests, a micro-influencer has a smaller following,” writes Kelly Ehlers for Forbes.com. “And in our work with these types of influencers, we have found they have stronger relationships built on expertise and trust with their followers.”

Is the world of college sports have its microinfluencer moment? Looking at these five student-athletes, the answer seems to be a loud and clear yes.

Top 5 NIL Success Stories

1. Jack Betts

Background: Jack Betts is a senior on the Amherst College football team. Known for his remarkable athleticism and leadership on the field, Betts has also made a name for himself off the field through his strategic NIL deals.

NIL Deals: Betts has earned the title “King of NIL” by securing over 35 NIL deals with a diverse array of companies. Allbirds, Bodyarmour, and PBfit are just a few of the most well known. In 2023, these partnerships earned an estimated minimum $10,000.

Impact: Betts’ success demonstrates the power of diversifying partnerships and understanding the market. His story is a testament to the fact that athletes from any division can maximize their NIL potential with the right approach. Betts’ journey has boosted his financial standing and set a blueprint for other student athletes to follow.

2. Connor Printz

Background: Connor Printz is a senior basketball player at Claremont McKenna College. Known for his impressive court skills, Printz has built a massive social media following that has netted nearly 1 million followers.

NIL Deals: Printz’s ability to build a genuinely engaged audience on social media attracted the attention of major brands. Reebok, Powerade, and CVS are just a few of the businesses that lined up to ink NIL deals. 

Impact: Printz recently announced his retirement from college basketball to focus on social media full-time. Despite the short time he spent leveraging NIL opportunities, his impressive array of deals showcases how student-athletes can transition into new careers. Printz’s story highlights the importance of building a unique personal brand and engaging with audiences beyond the athletic arena. 

3. Dieunerst Collin

Background: The name “Dieunerst Collin” may not sound familiar– but Google “Popeyes Kid” and you’re sure to recognize this talented football player. Today, Collin plays for Lake Erie College, located in Pennsylvania.

NIL Deals: Collin signed a high-profile NIL deal with Popeyes, the brand that propelled him to internet stardom. Collin’s story emphasizes the power of “image” and “likeness”, as the fast food chain capitalized on Collin’s NIL for billboard advertisements (and probably a few memes, too).

Impact: Collin’s story perfectly shows how past fame can be converted into present-day opportunities. His nomination for the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year at the 2023 NIL Summit underscores his significant impact. 

4. Kaylee Murphy

Background: Kaylee Murphy graduated in 2023 and played basketball at Division III UC Santa Cruz. Murphy made a significant impact despite her limited time in the NIL era.

NIL Deals: Murphy secured an NIL deal with Walkaway Sports. As part of the deal, Murphy allowed her name, image, and likeness to be used for t-shirt sales. 

Impact: Murphy’s quick adaptation to the NIL landscape shows that it’s never too late to start. Her success story serves as an inspiration for other athletes who may feel they’ve missed the boat. Murphy’s experience underscores the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise.

5. Jayden Beloti

Background: Jayden Beloti is a junior on the Elizabeth City State University basketball team. He and his brother Brandon began posting TikTok videos, which quickly garnered a massive following.

NIL Deals: Beloti’s TikTok fame translated to lucrative NIL deals with Hulu, Raising Canes, and Amazon Fashion. His engaging content and large audience make him an attractive partner for these brands.

Impact: Beloti’s story highlights the power of social media in building a personal brand and attracting sponsorships. His success emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creativity in content creation, and it shows how athletes can turn their passions into profitable ventures.

Key Takeaways from the Success Stories

The common thread among these success stories is the strategic use of personal branding and social media. These athletes have shown that understanding and leveraging one’s strengths is crucial. Key takeaways include:

• Understand the rules of the game. Each of the student-athletes above were able to score deals without breaking the rules. This requires fundamental NIL knowledge, compliance, and reporting. NIL certifications are the best way to get NIL deals, without risking scholarship or eligibility. 
• Diversifying Partnerships: These student athletes were also able to maximize their earning potential by engaging with multiple brands.
• Building a Strong Personal Brand: These athletes don’t “post and ghost”-- instead, they consistently and actively engage with their audiences.
• Creativity and Authenticity: In addition to consistency, they are authentic in their communication and creative in their branding. This creates deeper connections that translate to even more value for the businesses they work with. 

How NIL Creator Can Help

NIL Creator offers a comprehensive certification program that equips student-athletes with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of NIL. Our resources cover NIL basics, personal branding, and negotiation skills, ensuring athletes are well-prepared to make informed decisions. By enrolling in our programs, athletes can gain the confidence and expertise required to succeed in the NIL marketplace.

Start building, today. Visit the NIL Creator Student Athlete Development Program and get started for just $15.99/month, or take advantage of our limited time lifetime membership offer of a single payment of $170!