• Loading stock data...
Sunday, April 5, 2026
    More
    College Sports

    Six College Football Stars Ink NIL Deal With Celsius

    By
    Aug 29, 2024 | 12:09 pm
    UPDATED Sep 23, 2024 | 05:01 pm
    Michigan running back Donovan Edwards (7) runs for a first down against Texas during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
    Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

    Front Office Sports keeps you updated on the latest NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals shaping college sports. Here’s who is cashing in now:

    • Athletes: Donovan Edwards (Michigan), Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), Travis Hunter (Colorado),  Jalen Milroe (Alabama), DJ Uiagalelei (Florida State)
    • Sport: Football
    • Brand: Celsius

    The deal: The energy drink brand launched a campaign with college football stars called “The Essential Six.” While the financials of the deal were not disclosed, the athletes will promote the brand on social media activation and be featured in TV commercials. 

    The six stars are all in the top 100 of On3’s NIL rankings for college football—and Hunter, Milroe (above), and Gabriel in the top 10. Celsius’s previous NIL deals have also been with top football stars, notably Heisman Trophy winners and No. 1 NFL draft picks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young.

    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read

    Charlie Baker NCAA
    by

    NCAA President Sees Trump Executive Order as Blueprint For Congress
    Trump’s executive order may be valuable to college sports regardless of enforceability.
    Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) dunks during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
    by

    Millions in Prize Money on the Line at Final Fours
    It’s the first time Final Four wins will translate to “units” payouts.
    by

    Grant Hill on Iconic Calls, Tom Brady, and USA Basketball
    Hill also owns part of the Hawks. 
    Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
    by

    Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In
    Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.

    Featured Today
    by

    ‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch
    Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
    Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
    March 28, 2026

    March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era
    The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
    Maxime Vachier Lagrave
    March 25, 2026

    The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment
    Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
    Beau Brune/LSU
    March 22, 2026

    College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies
    “There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”

    More in College Sports
    Michigan basketball
    by

    Michigan Positions Big Ten for Potential National Title Trifecta
    Michigan can win the Big Ten’s first men’s basketball national title since 2000.
    Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
    April 4, 2026

    UConn Could Be First Men’s Basketball Dynasty in New Era of College Sports
    “The last thing we’re thinking about now … is dynasty,” Dan Hurley said.
    UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley gets after his team Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
    April 4, 2026

    UConn’s Dan Hurley: Geno Auriemma Deserves ‘Benefit of the Doubt’
    Hurley addressed the situation between Auriemma and Dawn Staley.
    Sponsored

    Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar
    MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
    Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Mortgage Matchup Center
    April 4, 2026

    Dawn Staley Remains Unfazed After Geno Auriemma Issues Apology
    Geno Auriemma didn’t mention Dawn Staley by name in the missive.
    opinion
    April 4, 2026

    Dawn Staley Got Under Geno Auriemma’s Skin
    South Carolina ended UConn’s perfect season, and the Huskies’ coach melted down.
    April 3, 2026

    South Carolina Snaps UConn Streak as Auriemma, Staley Erupt
    “I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand.”
    April 3, 2026

    Did Illinois Open the European Recruiting Floodgates?
    The Illini are in the Final Four thanks to the ‘Balkan Five.’