In the early days of NIL (Name, Image and Likeness), men’s college lacrosse players were often overlooked by potential sponsors. Even the top players struggled to crack the five-figure mark in earnings.
Then along came Tyler Sandoval.
During a highly successful career at Princeton University and Villanova University, Sandoval changed the landscape. Using his enormous lacrosse skills and huge social media presence (380,000 followers on Instagram and 293,000 followers on TikTok), Sandoval showed that it’s possible for a college lacrosse player to earn well into six figures.
Highly recruited out of Chaminade High School on Long Island, Sandoval enrolled at Princeton. By 2023, he had NIL deals with an energy drink company and a jewelry store. He continued his aggressive social media approach by posting his own highlights and talking about coming back from injury. That made him an idol to young lacrosse players, and more brands recognized his influence and signed him to sponsorship deals.
By the time Sandoval transferred to Villanova to play a final college season in 2025, On3 pegged his NIL estimated valuation at a whopping $380,000. Along the way, he cleared a path for other current and future college lacrosse players to earn meaningful NIL money.
But Sandoval’s story is the exception — not the norm.
Men’s lacrosse programs have limited funding and can offer only the equivalent of 12.6 scholarships for a roster of 40 to 50 players each season. The top players for 2026 have NIL valuations in the mid-five figures, coming mainly from deals with lacrosse equipment companies and by appearing at camps and clinics in the offseason.
Here’s a look at the men’s lacrosse players with the highest NIL valuations for the 2026 season:
Joey Spallina, Syracuse University
Playing for a traditional powerhouse ranked No. 2 in the first United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association poll of the season, the senior attacker is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top players. The No. 1 recruit in the country in the Class of 2022, Joey Spallina has more than lived up to lofty expectations. He entered the 2026 season needing only 62 points to surpass Michael Powell’s school record (307) and already is one of only seven players in Syracuse history with at least 100 goals and 100 assists. Spallina’s estimated NIL valuation stands at about $33,000, much of that coming from a multi-year deal he signed with equipment manufacturer Gait Lacrosse coming out of high school.
Chad Palumbo, Princeton University
Considered one of the nation’s top midfielders, Palumbo is a big reason why the Tigers are ranked No. 3 in the first poll of the 2026 season and are a favorite to win their first national title since 2021. A senior All-American, Palumbo has a powerful backstory. While still in high school, he battled cancer. He overcame that and already is a two-time All-Ivy selection. Chad Palumbo has been earning NIL money through endorsements and appearances.
Shawn Lyght, University of Notre Dame
A junior defenseman, Lyght started every game for a national championship team as a freshman and was the ACC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American as a sophomore. His apparel is one of the top lacrosse sellers on the NIL Store, and his popularity should continue to grow as the Irish are currently ranked No. 6 in the nation.
Aidan Maguire, Duke University
Last season, Maguire shared ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors with Notre Dame’s Lyght and was a consensus first-team All-American while also picking up the prestigious Lt. Donald MacLaughlin National Midfielder of the Year award. The Blue Devils began this season ranked seventh in the nation and, with Aidan Maguire leading the way, they’re an example of how an entire team can benefit from NIL deals. While players like Maguire, Tommy Drago and Tomas Delgado have brand-specific deals with brands like STX and Lacrosse Unlimited, the rest of the team also is earning money through team-wide community partnerships.
Caleb Fyock, Ohio State University
Known as “Big Tasty” for his 6-foot-2, 297-pound frame, Fyock often is confused for a lineman on the Ohio State football team while walking around Columbus. But the fact is he’s one of the nation’s top goalies and one of the most colorful personalities in college lacrosse. Surprisingly quick for his size, Caleb Fyock has been earning NIL money through his inclusion in a college lacrosse trading card set released by Onit Athlete.
Will Schaller, University of Maryland
As the nation’s top-ranked team, Maryland has a roster filled with stars. But none is brighter than Will Schaller, a senior defender and first-team All-American in 2025. Schaller has an NIL deal with STX.
Owen Duffy, University of North Carolina
Despite dealing with several injuries, Duffy began the 2026 season with 133 career points. He’s the lacrosse version of a quarterback and is known for his ability to distribute the ball to other talented Tar Heels. Recently, Duffy was named to the watch list for the 2026 Tewaaraton Award, given annually to the nation’s top men’s and women’s lacrosse players. His T-shirt and jersey are popular sellers at the NIL Store.
Ryan Goldstein, Cornell University
With NCAA all-time scoring leader CJ Kirst now playing professionally, Goldstein is a more-than-capable heir apparent to lead a Cornell team that is the defending national champion and currently ranked fourth in the nation. Goldstein had four goals in the 2025 national championship game, and his 93 points ranked second in Division I.
Bobby Van Buren, Ohio State University
After an injury in 2024, Bobby Van Buren bounced back to become the co-winner of the William C. Schmeisser Co-Defensive Player of the Year award as he captained the Buckeyes to their first Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles in 2025. He’s a big part of the reason why Ohio State entered the 2026 season ranked 10th in the country.
Will Donovan, University of Notre Dame
Donovan played a major role in helping the Irish win back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024. He was a first-team All-American in 2025 and has a strong chance of repeating while playing for a team that opened the 2026 season ranked sixth in the nation.
Final Takeaway
Tyler Sandoval proved that men’s lacrosse players can earn real NIL money — and while most valuations still sit in the five-figure range, the ceiling for the sport is no longer theoretical.
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
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