Former USC Trojans quarterback and top-ranked NFL prospect Caleb Williams reportedly made over $10 million through NIL and endorsements during his time with USC, according to The Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler.
Williams was a part of the Trojans team under head coach Lincoln Riley for just two years after transferring from the Oklahoma Sooners. Williams was touted as a top-three draft pick since before his last season with USC.
USC Trojans QB Caleb Williams was one of the first “NIL megastars”
The ability for college players to sign endorsements with the name, image and likeness began in 2021. This made Caleb Williams one of the first “NIL megastars.” NFL draft analyst from SportsKeeda Tony Pauline claims he made more than $10 million.
Actually he made a lot more than $10 mill. #NFLCombine https://t.co/TeZDCs8wsJ
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) February 28, 2024
Caleb Williams’ father, Carl Williams, played a large role in Caleb’s financial success during his college years. An NFL scout detailed his role in an article from The Athletic.
“He’s not like the quarterback dad who is overprotective and thinks his kid is the next Peyton Manning,” said one NFL scout. “He knows his kid is really good and he is trying to max every dollar out of his kid that he can — not in an exploitative way, but trying to help. He is trying to be more his business manager than his dad.”
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell explained in the same article from The Athletic how this affects negotiations coming into the league.
“Today’s athlete coming out of college is in a completely different economic profile than even five years ago,” Howell said. “So how and in what manner they negotiate and how they think about the opportunities is going to be different. … what someone’s requesting, it’s a different request than what you would have heard years ago.”
USC Trojans QB Caleb Williams demanded a significant portion of entire teams’ NIL budget
The Ohio State Buckeyes, who are returning a lot of players that could’ve gone to the NFL, reportedly spent around $13 million in NIL money. Reports have conflicted, but no reports say the Buckeyes spent anything less than $10 million.
Ryan Day made his pitch in June 2022 that a $13 million NIL budget would keep Ohio State at the top of the sport.
The Buckeyes aren’t there just yet but the last 10 weeks have proved they are operating in the top echelon of NIL.
More via @PeteNakos_: https://t.co/uyJp1w0nB3 pic.twitter.com/xWuoJC0t82
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) January 22, 2024
Miller Nash law firm partner Max Forer said in an article on Inside Higher Ed that the current state of NIL is akin to an arms race, especially when considering the legislation that has become present in the NIL world.
“When it all started, it was a slow trickle—everyone was pretty risk averse. But now more institutions and state legislatures are becoming more aggressive with their approach,” Forer said. “It’s almost akin to the facility arms race, where you want the best locker rooms or best treatment centers—now you want the best and most protective state bill.”
Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule claimed it would take $1 million to $2 million for a top transfer portal quarterback. Caleb Williams transcended the pay grade of top transfer QBs during his time with the USC Trojans.
Nebraska Football Coach Matt Rhule said a Top QB that’s in the transfer portal costs about 1-2 million dollars 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/8G1POZ3uji
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) November 29, 2023
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