Ten college football players have seen their name, image, and likeness (NIL) value rise significantly during the 2026 season, according to a CBS Sports analysis. Breakout performances have given these athletes leverage in contract negotiations and transfer portal decisions.
Oregon State wide receiver Jesse Legree leads the FBS in receiving yards (1,110) and touchdowns (14) through eight games, averaging 20.9 yards per catch. The freshman All-American has announced his return for 2027, securing a new NIL deal that keeps him with the Beavers.
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor guided the Bulldogs to a 4-0 start and No. 16 in the AP Poll before a toe injury ended his season. With 15 total touchdown passes and over 1,000 yards of total offense, Taylor has expressed loyalty to the program despite transfer speculation.
Duke running back Nate Sheppard has rushed for 972 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore, emerging as a Doak Walker Award candidate for 2027.
Toledo edge rusher Andrew Zock has recorded 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 12 tackles for loss, making him a likely Power Four starter next season after transferring from Mercer.
Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson has thrown for 2,977 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only two interceptions, forming a potent connection with Legree. The sophomore transfer from Mercer has topped 300 yards in every start and exceeded 400 yards three times.
South Carolina running back Matt Fuller averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored in five straight games before a foot injury. He helped the Gamecocks lead the SEC in rushing (217.5 yards per game) under new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has rushed for 836 yards and 16 touchdowns, the most in college football, while directing Rich Rodriguez's offense.
California defensive back Kingston Lopa, a transfer from Oregon, is tied for the national lead with five interceptions and is a Thorpe Award semifinalist.
Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez has thrown 18 touchdown passes with one interception and rushed for 317 yards and six scores for the one-loss Demon Deacons. The transfer from North Carolina via South Alabama has another year of eligibility.
North Carolina defensive tackle Xavier Lewis has 43 tackles and seven sacks as a first-time starter, becoming a key piece for coach Bill Belichick's 2027 rebuild.
