In the old days, players who could rush the passer were usually called defensive ends or linebackers. In the modern college and pro game, they have a new name — EDGE rushers.
And that role comes with big money. In the NFL, elite EDGE rushers are typically top-10 draft picks and their rookie contracts run into eight figures. In today’s college football world, EDGE rushers are commanding major NIL deals as well.
Of the top 10 defensive players on On3’s NIL valuation list for 2025, seven are pure EDGE rushers and two others are interior linemen who also bring pass-rush ability.
Here’s a look at the top defensive NIL earners:
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Downs is the exception on this list — he’s not an EDGE rusher. He’s an elite safety on the nation’s top-ranked team, and that’s enough to earn him a $2.4 million NIL valuation. Downs is projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and NIL partners are willing to overlook the fact that he plays a lower-profile defensive position. He became the first defensive player ever to sign an NIL deal with Panini. He also has deals with Beats by Dre, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Hulu, T-Mobile, Crocs and Celsius.
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Stewart is viewed as a possible No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. There was speculation he might enter the 2025 NFL Draft and be chosen in the top 10. That scenario disappeared when he agreed to a deal reportedly worth $1 million to $1.5 million with The Garnet Trust, South Carolina’s collective, to return for his sophomore season. The agreement includes in-season renegotiation clauses and represents one of the most notable conditional NIL deals in college football. Stewart also has a partnership with the Joye Law Firm.
David Stone, Oklahoma
Stone is the top NIL earner among interior defensive linemen with a $1.8 million valuation and is seen as no worse than a top-three pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. His NIL story is complex — his initial Oklahoma deal was reduced after his freshman year, prompting him to enter the transfer portal. He later withdrew and agreed to a new incentive-based deal for this season, showcasing how conditional NIL deals work in modern college athletics. While exact details aren’t public, Stone is performing well with seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Peter Woods, Clemson
Woods is an elite run defender with pass-rush upside and is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. At Clemson, Woods has earned NIL money through TigerImpact, tied to work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Upstate.
Colin Simmons, Texas
Simmons, a 19-year-old sophomore, is already considered one of the best EDGE prospects in years. He has 19 career sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss. The Colin Simmons NIL deal details reveal an impressive portfolio with at least 10 partnerships, including deals with Sonic, Beats by Dre and Hollister. His NIL valuation continues to rise as he dominates on the field for the Longhorns.
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey transferred to Texas Tech after three years at Stanford and is having a breakout season with 12.5 sacks. David Baileyreportedly received a major NIL deal from the Texas Tech collective to facilitate his transfer, with some reports suggesting it could be worth as much as $3 million.
Clev Lubin, Louisville
After recording 9.5 sacks at Coastal Carolina in 2024, Lubin transferred to Louisville and has continued his production with five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss this season.
Damon Wilson II, Missouri
Wilson posted two productive seasons at Georgia before transferring to Missouri, where he has exploded for 8.5 sacks in his first 11 games. Wilson has used part of his NIL earnings to donate more than $10,000 to a youth football program in his hometown of Venice, Fla.
Rueben Bain, Miami
Bain’s junior season has been slowed by injuries, limiting him to just two sacks after notching 11 in his first two years. Rueben Bain carries a valuation of about $1.1 million and used some of his NIL money to buy his mother a Cadillac Escalade.
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell received a strong NIL package from the Texas A&M collective when he transferred from Bowling Green in 2024. The Cashius Howell NIL deal has proven to be one of the most successful transfer agreements in recent memory. He’s broken out this season with 9.5 sacks and made headlines when he recorded three consecutive sacks on Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes in Week 2. Howell is one of twelve Aggies to sign NIL deals with Adidas this year, demonstrating how major brands are investing in defensive stars.
Understanding Conditional NIL Deals in College Football
The rise of conditional NIL deals has transformed how college athletes are compensated. These agreements often include performance-based incentives, renegotiation clauses, and terms tied to staying with a program rather than entering the NFL Draft early. As seen with players like Dylan Stewart and David Stone, conditional NIL deals provide flexibility for both athletes and collectives while ensuring that top talent remains in college football.
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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