College Football Players' Earnings by Position Revealed

College Football Players' Earnings by Position Revealed

Updated Nov. 5, 2026 4:38 p.m. ET
Ben Portnoy, College Sports Writer

The College Football Playoff selection committee experienced a particularly contentious week with the release of their first rankings, leading to discussions regarding the selection process. Earlier this month, a mock selection exercise in Dallas mirrored the committee's process, setting the stage for how these rankings could evolve over the coming month.

In a positive development for transparency in college sports, the College Sports Commission (CSC) released a new database detailing athlete compensation. CSC Head of Operations and Deputy General Counsel John Bramlette noted the importance of this information, stating that many have been "flying blind" regarding market values for athletes. The CSC aims to legally and equitably present useful information for schools and student athletes, thus enhancing the understanding around athlete compensation.

This latest data reveals median payment figures for college football players, which includes revenue shares from schools and additional earnings from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Here’s a brief overview of the earnings breakdown based on position:

- Quarterback:
Power Four: $230,000 revenue share + $65,550 NIL = $295,550
Non-Power Four: $31,000 + $1,570 = $32,570

- Defensive Line:
Power Four: $150,000 revenue share + $26,500 NIL = $176,500
Non-Power Four: $18,000 + $1,570 = $19,570

- Offensive Line:
Power Four: $133,000 revenue share + $21,600 NIL = $154,600
Non-Power Four: $17,500 + $1,560 = $19,060

- Wide Receiver:
Power Four: $112,500 revenue share + $27,785 NIL = $140,285
Non-Power Four: $15,000 + $1,560 = $16,560

- Defensive Back:
Power Four: $115,000 revenue share + $25,000 NIL = $140,000
Non-Power Four: $15,000 + $1,560 = $16,560

- Running Back:
Power Four: $108,500 revenue share + $26,050 NIL = $134,550
Non-Power Four: $16,000 + $1,500 = $17,500

- Linebacker:
Power Four: $112,500 revenue share + $21,500 NIL = $134,000
Non-Power Four: $17,500 + $1,550 = $19,050

- Tight End:
Power Four: $93,000 revenue share + $20,000 NIL = $113,000
Non-Power Four: $14,000 + $1,560 = $15,560

The data indicates that Power Four players earn significantly more than those from non-Power Four institutions across all positions. For example, quarterbacks at Power Four schools earn medians as high as $295,550, compared to just $32,570 for their non-Power Four counterparts.

While the median figures appear modest next to higher reported incomes, it highlights how the top earners in college football exceed these figures considerably, with quarterbacks in the 90th percentile reportedly making a combined $2.6 million. The release of this data aims to assist schools in making informed decisions as they approach the upcoming transfer portal window, ultimately benefiting both student athletes and educational institutions.

Bramlette emphasizes the hope that this information will bridge the gap in knowledge for schools when discussing compensation with athletes, potentially leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Best Quote I Saw This Week

"This is entertainment, right? So we figured we’d bring some entertainment value." — Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti.

Last week, Indiana and Minnesota showcased an unprecedented game with two 60-yard field goals forcing overtime, reflecting the dramatic nature of college football this season.