• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 16, 2026

Six College Football Stars Ink NIL Deal With Celsius

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

Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Viral McNeese Student Manager Makes March Madness Return

Khan said he executed more than 20 endorsement deals last year.
Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) shoots against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at United Center.

‘Players Are Workers’ and Deserve Right to Unionize: Former NLRB Exec

The SCORE Act would not designate student-athletes as employees.

Sacramento State’s Only Shot at MAC Revenue: Make the CFP

Sacramento State forfeits MAC revenue but could earn money with a CFP berth.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor

Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools

Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”

How Conferences Cash In on March Madness 

The men’s tournament will pay out more than $220 million.
March 14, 2026

Big East Tourney Keeps Delivering—Even in a Football-Dominated Era

St. John’s routs UConn as Big East tourney proves league still thriving.
Mar 2, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) reacts with guard Isaiah Evans (3) and guard Caleb Foster (1) after being fouled during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack at Lenovo Center.
March 14, 2026

Duke Continues to Embrace the Fountain of Youth

Duke continues to build winning programs around star freshmen. 
Sponsored

Paul Rabil: Why Owning a Team Is a 100x Bet

Paul Rabil shares how he left an established league to build PLL.
UCLA Bruins celebrates Sunday, March 8, 2026, after the Big Ten Tournament Championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. UCLA Bruins defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 96-45, for back to back Big Ten championships.
March 14, 2026

UCLA Women’s Basketball Strives for a Final Four Return

Rosters are getting even older—and UCLA is no different.
March 13, 2026

Big 12 Ditches LED Court Mid-Tourney After Player Concerns

Widespread player complaints helped lead to the mid-tournament switch.
Miami RedHawks guard Peter Suder (5) and guard Luke Skaljac (3) leave the floor as UMass Minutemen forward Leonardo Bettiol (3) celebrates a win after the final buzzer of the second half of Mid-American Conference Tournament first round game between the Miami RedHawks and the UMass Minutemen at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Top-seeded Miami was eliminated from the tournament with an 87-82 loss to the Minutemen.
March 12, 2026

Miami (Ohio) Debate Intensifies After RedHawks’ First Loss

The previously undefeated RedHawks lost to UMass in the MAC tournament.
Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Ben Hammond (3) with the ball as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Sebastian Akins (10) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center.
March 12, 2026

Bubble Teams Continue to Lose, While Tournament Expansion Looms

The NCAA has discussed expanding the tournament to 72 or 76 teams.