The new era of college football has created a buyers market. One position that has skyrocketed over the past five years is wide receiver, with an average high six-figure value. According to On3's Pete Nakos, the top end is one of the biggest figures in the sport.
"At least five wide receivers are making north of $1 million this fall. The numbers shared represent the compensation that players will "receive from the school and/or NIL collective, excluding incentives." Here's a comprehensive list compiled by On3.
Top NIL salaries for college football wide receivers
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State ($5-4 million)
The projected top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft put together an outstanding freshman season with 76 catches for 1,315 yards, including a 56-yard catch in the national championship game to seal the win for the Buckeyes. He's also the nation's top earner for his position.
Ryan Williams, Alabama (Over $1.8 million)
Williams reclassified to arrive in Tuscaloosa early. He also finished a breakout season last year with 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. The EA Sports College Football 26 cover co-star with Smith is no doubt the SEC's highest-paid receiver.
Carnell Tate, Ohio State (Over $1.5 million)
Tate was a key part of Ohio State’s national title run last year. However, he's nowhere near Smith's total figure. Tate has seven catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns so far in 2025.
Sean Thomas/Imagn Images
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M ($1 million)
Concepcion chose the Aggies over most of the nation, and it shows why. He's featured as a go-to receiver and is in the top five nationally for NIL payouts.
Eric Singleton, Auburn ($1 million)
Singleton made his way from Georgia Tech to Auburn as one of the most sought-after transfer portal players. He also got a nice payday in the process. The newest Tigers wideout has 7 receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns this year.
Cam Coleman, Auburn ($1 million)
As a former five-star recruit, Coleman made his way to Auburn with eyes on contending in the SEC. The seven-figure prospect has eight catches for 100 yards in 2025.
Best of the rest
- Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech ($800k)
- Dane Key, Nebraska ($800k)
- Nyziah Hunter, Nebraska ($800k)
- Ryan Wingo, Texas ($750k)
- Dakorien Moore, Oregon ($700k)
- Isaiah Horton, Alabama ($700k)
- Barion Brown, Kentucky ($650k)
- Nic Anderson, Oklahoma ($650k)
- Mike Matthews, Tennessee ($600k)
- Mario Craver, Texas A&M ($600k)
- Chris Bell, Louisville ($600k)
- Roy Alexander, Texas Tech ($400k)
- Aaron Anderson, LSU ($350k)
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