Top NIL Athletes You Can Learn From (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

Hey, I’m Vickie, and I’ve spent the past 11 years helping student-athletes around the world build strong personal brands and unlock NIL opportunities. One of my favorite things to do is spotlight athletes who are doing NIL well, not just the most famous names, but the ones who are smart, strategic, and authentic in how they show up.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t need to copy anyone to succeed in NIL, but you can learn from those doing it right.

These athletes are great examples, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re showing how to make NIL work in ways that feel true to them.

1. Jada Williams: Basketball (University of Arizona)

Why she stands out: Jada built her brand before college sharing her basketball journey, her confidence, and her personality in a way that was both empowering and relatable. She now has national brand deals, but she started by just being consistent and real.

What you can learn:
➡ Build your brand before you think you’re “ready”
➡ Let your personality shine through your sport

2. Naji Elder: Soccer (Santa Clara University)

Why he stands out: Naji is a standout example of how NIL success can be grounded in community impact and authenticity. As a defender for Santa Clara University, he’s built a strong, values-led brand that resonates both on and off the field. Naji has secured NIL deals with companies like G2A.COM, a global digital entertainment marketplace, and Vuori, an activewear brand. His partnerships reflect his interests in gaming, fashion, and social responsibility, showcasing how aligning personal passions with brand collaborations can create meaningful opportunities.

What you can learn:
➡ You don’t need to be at a huge school or in a high-profile sport
➡ Align your NIL with what matters to you and your community.

3. Haley and Hanna Cavinder: Basketball (Formerly Miami)

Why they stand out: These twin sisters built a massive following through fun, energetic TikToks, but they didn’t stop there. They’ve been strategic in choosing brands that match their audience and have built businesses off the back of their NIL success.

What you can learn:
➡ NIL is about more than followers: it’s about strategy
➡ You can use NIL to build long-term business opportunities

4. Lauren Burke: Softball (Formerly Texas Longhorns)

Why she stands out: Lauren used her NIL platform to launch a custom jewelry brand, combining her sport, her creative passion, and her entrepreneurial mindset.

What you can learn:
➡ NIL can support your other interests
➡ Think beyond posting: think products, services, or causes

5. Chase Griffin: Football (UCLA)

Why he stands out: Chase has won awards for his NIL work, but what really makes him unique is how values-driven he is. He uses NIL to support causes he believes in, and chooses partnerships based on character, not cash.

What you can learn:
➡ Your values can be your biggest asset
➡ NIL can amplify your impact, not just your income

6. Zia Cooke: Basketball (University of South Carolina)

Why she stands out: Zia shows that NIL isn’t just about social media, she’s partnered with brands through commercials, media appearances, and in-person events. She also uses her platform to talk about confidence, representation, and identity.

What you can learn:
➡ NIL is bigger than social media, it’s about storytelling
➡ Brands are looking for real people, not just online presence

What These Athletes All Have in Common

It’s not just that they’ve landed deals. It’s that they:
✅ Know who they are
✅ Use their voice and story
✅ Choose partnerships that make sense for them
✅ Show up consistently (online and in real life)

And guess what? That’s something you can start doing too, even with 500 followers and no offers yet.

How to Take Action Today

✅ Write down 3 athletes you admire and ask yourself why
✅ Start posting content that reflects your story and your interests
✅ Look at your values and think about what kinds of brands align with them

You don’t have to be famous to build a meaningful NIL journey. Start by learning from others, then build something your own way.