• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 23, 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

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) pulls back for the throw during the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Judge Denies Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Another Year of NCAA Eligibility

The ruling has implications for the NCAA’s overall eligibility fight.
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein Files Fallout Spreads to College Sports Buildings

Football facilities at UCLA and Ohio State are named for Epstein-tied donors.
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti watches during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Curt Cignetti’s New Indiana Deal Is Richest in College Football

The new contract will pay him $13.2 million annually.

What Happened to the Group That Promised Sac State $50M in NIL?

The “Sac-12” group says it’s still committed to financially supporting the Hornets.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
February 16, 2026

Kansas State Tries to Use Rant to Avoid Paying Coach $18M Buyout

Tang’s contract says he’s entitled to a $18.7 million buyout.
ASU quarterback Jaden Rashada (5) throws a pass during a spring practice at the Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 16, 2024.
February 18, 2026

Jaden Rashada, Billy Napier Reach Settlement in Lawsuit Over Florida NIL Deal

Rashada’s lawsuit was considered the first of its kind.
Sponsored

A Head Start on History: Early Access to Olympic Hospitality for the..

From private suites to curated experiences, On Location is redefining how fans and brands show up at LA28.
Sep 16, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Sacramento State Hornets running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (25) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium
February 15, 2026

Sacramento State Will Pay $20M+ to Join MAC in FBS

The Hornets have been pushing hard for an FBS invitation.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returns to his seat after testifying during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss is looking for a temporary injunction and a permanent injunction against the NCAA for one more year of eligibility.
February 12, 2026

Mississippi Judge Rules Trinidad Chambliss Can Play Another Year at Ole Miss

It’s the latest result in a flood of NCAA eligibility lawsuits.
Feb 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack JROTC does the National Anthem before dribbles the first half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lenovo Center.
February 11, 2026

NCAA Refuses Settlement Talks in Athlete Employment Lawsuit

The NCAA and defendant schools have tried several times to get the case thrown out.
February 10, 2026

Kansas Says ‘No Inside Information’ After Odd Darryn Peterson Scratch

Kansas knocked off No. 1 Arizona without Peterson on Monday.