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Study finds Ohio State QB Justin Fields could earn big bucks off name, image and likeness
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One of the trending topics in college athletics has been the increasing momentum to allow student-athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness. It seems inevitable that, in the near future, that will be an option for many college athletes.
Just how much could high-profile college football players earn in such a setting? A recent study conducted by Opendorse and its CEO, former Nebraska linebacker Blake Lawrence, the potential is pretty significant.
In the student, Lawrence discovered that Heisman Trophy contender and Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields could potentially see $1.34 million in earnings from name, image and likeness. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence would see a similar figure, estimated at $1.23 million.
“The Heisman-type candidates, these athletes that are thrust into the spotlight every year have tremendous earning potential,” Blake Lawrence told 247Sports. “The difference between their brand value and that of a professional athlete is simply one word: Student.
“I don’t think it should be a surprise to many that the Heisman-level candidates in terms of student athletes have such a high earning potential. Most of them are years or months away from making that money in real life.”
Those kind of numbers are rare, however. In fact, based on Blake Lawrence’s estimation, those two would be the only current student-athletes in football who would earn over $1 million. Only six current players were projected to earn over $100,000 per the study.
So, yes, the earning potential is sky-high for some student-athletes. But, for the most part, it appears that estimated earnings for most playing college football would be under $100,000, and even well under $50,000.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB