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Travis Hunter's NIL Deals Has Colorado Star Making More Money Than You Think

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Adams | Last updated Dec 14, 2024 9:18 AM ET

Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter is headed for a lucrative NFL contract, but the two-way playmaker is already earning sizable money in college football from NIL deals. According to On3.com, Hunter's NIL deals include NerdWallet, United Airlines, Celsius, Rock 'Em Socks and EA Sports among others.

Days before the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony, Hunter announced a partnership with Adidas. Given Hunter only has one game remaining with the Buffs before heading to the NFL, this is more of an endorsement deal than a typical NIL contract.

On3.com projects Hunter as the No. 2 NIL earner in college sports, just behind Colorado teammate Shedeur Sanders. The Buffs quarterback's NIL earnings is projected to be $6.2 million.

Hunter's NIL value is projected at $5.2 million, per On3. NIL deals are rarely made public, and these projections should be viewed as estimates. It is too early in Hunter's career to have accurate projections for the star's net worth.

Travis Hunter on NIL

“It’s not about the NIL, It’s about the NFL…If I would’ve went somewhere else I
could’ve got a major amount of money”

“You see where I’m at, With the best Coach that’s going to put me in the best situation” pic.twitter.com/H6lwfuSDNY
— We Coming (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) October 3, 2024

Hunter is already earning more money than some NFL players. The two-way star will be able to turn many of these NIL deals into endorsements as Hunter heads to the NFL. Hunter will also start earning a salary in the NFL, something the star is not doing at Colorado.

Colorado WR/DB Travis Hunter's new ad for his NIL deal with United Airlines:

"This guy is everywhere."

(via @TravisHunterJr) pic.twitter.com/E8ehkD29tb
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 7, 2024

For context, Drake Maye has a $6.6 million cap hit (salary plus prorated signing bonus) this season after being selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Hunter is well on his way to being a top earner in the NFL once the playmaker is able to combine endorsement earnings with a salary.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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