Sunday, April 19, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ex-Alabama Player Used NFL Disguises in $20M Fraud, Feds Say

Prosecutors say Luther Davis posed as three NFL players.

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws during the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025.
exclusive

Private Equity Burrows Deeper Into College Sports

Arctos had a previously unreported stake in Learfield, sources told FOS.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.

Michaela Onyenwere Made $205K With UCLA Before WNBA Payday

Onyenwere spent the past season as a UCLA assistant.
exclusive
April 14, 2026

Louisiana Tech to Pay Record Exit Fee to End 20-Game Schedule Mess

The school had been scheduled to play 20 games by CUSA and the Sun Belt.
April 14, 2026

Sherrone Moore Sentenced to 18 Months Probation

Moore was arrested in December on stalking and home invasion charges.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 9, 2026

NCAA Considers Five-Year Eligibility Rule, Ending Redshirts

The governing body looks at creating a broad, age-based standard.
April 8, 2026

UNC Makes Michael Malone Among College Basketball’s Richest

It will be his first college job since 2001.
Dusty May
April 7, 2026

Transfer Portal Chaos Began Amid Michigan’s Title Celebration

The transfer portal opened in the middle of postgame celebrations.
April 7, 2026

Once-Mighty Tennessee Down to One Player After Portal Exodus

The Volunteers lost all players with eligibility to the transfer portal.