Before NIL deals were a thing, college quarterbacks were already the kings of campus. They had the fame, the stats, and the charisma—but none of the endorsement money that today’s stars rake in for just posting a protein shake on Instagram.
If the NIL era had come along a little sooner, these 20 former college quarterbacks would’ve been cashing in big. Think car commercials, regional soda sponsorships, and probably their own signature chicken sandwiches.
20. Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore was the face of Boise State’s rise from “fun story” to “legit contender.” In today’s world, every brand in Idaho would’ve thrown money at him.
19. Ken Dorsey
Miami was swagger central in the early 2000s, and Dorsey was quietly steering the ship. He wasn’t flashy, but his win-loss record would’ve gotten him some serious deals.
18. Danny Wuerffel
Wuerffel had the stats, the style, and the Steve Spurrier machine behind him. Florida fans would’ve bought anything he slapped his name on.
17. Todd Reesing
He led Kansas—yes, Kansas—to an Orange Bowl. That alone would’ve earned him a sponsorship from every barbecue joint in the state.
16. Colt McCoy
McCoy was a Texas legend and stayed forever in Heisman conversations. Every local business in Austin would’ve lined up to make him their poster boy.
15. Brady Quinn
He had the look, the Notre Dame spotlight, and a rocket arm. In the NIL era, he’d have had a cologne deal, a protein powder line, and probably a billboard on the highway.
14. Eric Crouch
A Heisman winner and the engine of Nebraska’s option attack, Crouch was Midwest royalty. Every tractor company and steakhouse within 200 miles would’ve come calling.
13. Andre Ware
Ware’s Houston offense was pure fireworks, and he brought the Heisman to a program that had no business sniffing one. He would’ve cleaned up in endorsements from every brand that wanted to be fast, fun, or flashy.
12. Jason White
Two-time Heisman finalist and a national title game regular, White was a walking OU commercial. Norman, Oklahoma, would’ve made him the most marketable man in town.
11. Chris Leak
Before Tebow-mania, Leak was the guy leading Florida to national relevance. In the NIL world, he would’ve been the prototype for that first big-time Gator brand deal.
10. Daunte Culpepper
He was dropping bombs for UCF before it was cool. A big-armed quarterback with NFL size and highlight-reel plays? Brands would’ve loved him.
9. Chase Daniel
He turned Mizzou into a Big 12 powerhouse and never met a short-yardage throw he didn’t like. His energy and leadership would’ve turned him into a commercial darling.
8. Vince Young
VY was a Texas legend by his junior year and a national icon after the Rose Bowl. He would’ve had a sneaker deal, a sandwich named after him, and a statue while still enrolled.
7. Matt Leinart
Hollywood looks, a USC pedigree, and back-to-back national titles? The NIL checks would’ve needed their own zip code.
6. Michael Vick
Vick was electric at Virginia Tech, changing how people viewed the quarterback position. His highlights alone would’ve turned him into a viral brand before YouTube even existed.
5. Cam Newton
Sure, there was some money floating around, but official NIL deals would’ve made him unstoppable. Cam at Auburn was must-watch TV and would’ve been must-sign for every brand.
4. Tim Tebow
The most talked-about college player of his era, Tebow would’ve been a marketing phenomenon. Between his faith, charisma, and on-field success, NIL money would’ve poured in from all angles.
3. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football was basically built for the NIL era—loud, confident, and wildly entertaining. The merch alone could’ve bankrolled an entire offense.
Read More: 20 Heisman Winners Who Disappointed Us in the NFL
2. Marcus Mariota
Mariota was a quiet assassin for Oregon—smooth, efficient, and always in control. With his Heisman win and the Ducks’ flashy style, every West Coast brand would’ve fought to slap his face on a billboard.
Read More: 15 Heisman Hopefuls Who Believed Their Own Hype Way Too Soon
1. Joe Burrow
He technically just missed the NIL wave, but Burrow’s 2019 season was an absolute goldmine. In today’s world, he’d be raking in cash with every cigar puff and smug sideline smirk.
Read More: The 10 Most Overrated Heisman Trophy Winners of All Time
