Top 10 ACC players with the highest NIL valuations ft. Cam Ward
In 2024, the Atlantic Coast Conference will run from California to Massachusetts to North Carolina. However, while much has changed, the ACC still produces talented football players. On3 prepares and maintains NIL valuation estimates for college athletes.
Here are the top 10 ACC players in On3's NIL rankings.
Top 10 ACC players with the highest NIL Valuations
#10. Patrick Payton, Florida State Edge
A talented junior edge rusher, Payton has racked up 75 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and a dozen sacks in two seasons of action for FSU. He's an important part of the Seminole defense, and his NIL valuation is $502,000.
#9. Jaydn Ott, California RB
Ott neared 1,000 rushing yards in 2022, then rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 scores last season. The 6-foot junior back is one of the best in the ACC. His NIL valuation of $558,000 looks like a bargain.
#8. Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina Edge
A fifth-year player at Carolina, Rucker has amassed 150 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in his college career. The 6-foot-2 defensive end is physical and impressive. His NIL value from On3 is just $583,000.
#7. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville Edge
The 6-foot-3 Gillotte blew up as a junior in 2023, making 45 tackles, including 11 sacks, tying him for second in the conference. His return makes Louisville's defense formidable in 2024. Gillotte's NIL valuation estimate is $607,000.
#6. DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State QB
The Clemson and Oregon State transfer is still hoping to make a big college splash. Uiagalelei has thrown for 8,319 college yards and 57 touchdowns. He should be a solid veteran presence for FSU in 2024. His NIL valuation from On3 is $612,000.
#5. Damien Martinez, Miami RB
A transfer from Oregon State, Martinez rushed for 2,167 yards and 16 scores in two seasons at OSU. He's one of the more finished running back prospects in the nation, and Miami won a purported NIL bidding war to sign him. On3 estimates Martinez's NIL value at $615,000.
#4. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina RB
A season ago, Hampton rushed for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was so good that he was a second-team All-American on an 8-5 Carolina team. Hampton's NIL value is estimated at $617,000.
#3. Rueben Bain, Miami Edge
Just a sophomore, Bain had 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks for Miami last season. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound edge rusher could be one of the nation's top pass rushers if his development continues at the same pace. Bain's NIL estimation from On3 was $647,000.
#2. Luke Kromenhoek, Florida State QB
Kromenhoek is a freshman still waiting for his first college action. With DJ Uiagalelei at the helm, this is probably a learning year for Kromenhoek. Still, his NIL valuation of $650,000 is impressive.
#1. Cam Ward, Miami QB
A transfer from Washington State, Ward gives Miami instant offensive explosiveness. Ward passed for 6,968 yards and 48 touchdowns for Washington State. He also starred at FCS Incarnate Word, throwing for another 6,908 yards and 71 touchdowns in two seasons. Ward's NIL valuation led the ACC by a wide margin at $998,000.
Which ACC players were you surprised to see on this list? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!