Wednesday, May 6, 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.

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