Livvy Dunne has been making waves, not just with her iconic style, but also with her success in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The LSU gymnast and social media sensation has built a lucrative brand empire, securing some of the top NIL earnings among college athletes. However, while her earnings are impressive, a few others have now surpassed her in the NIL millionaire rankings.
Dunne, a fifth-year LSU gymnast, has become one of the most recognizable faces in collegiate athletics, thanks in part to her massive social media following and savvy business partnerships. According to On3’s Women’s NIL Valuations, Dunne remains the top-earning female college athlete, with an annual NIL income of $4.2 million.
Her earnings are far ahead of fellow LSU Lady Tiger Flau’jae Johnson, who ranks second among female athletes with $1.5 million annually. Dunne’s earnings and popularity have set the standard for female college athletes, showcasing the potential of building a personal brand while still competing at the collegiate level.
Livvy Dunne’s NIL success is built on a series of high-profile brand partnerships, ranging from fitness and lifestyle brands to creator platforms and energy products.
Some of the brands she collaborates with include Vuori (activewear), American Eagle, Nautica, Passes (a creator platform), Jake Paul’s men’s care brand “W,” Accelerator Active Energy, Leaf Trading Cards, Motorola, Caktus AI, and Body Armor. One of her recent campaigns featured an unusual ad with Jake Paul’s W brand, where Dunne performed gymnastics moves inside a drugstore—adding a quirky twist to her endorsement.
She also recently showed off her incredible flexibility by doing the splits while posing with several high-profile celebrities.
The 22-year-old has become synonymous with creative, eye-catching Instagram advertisements, promoting everything from athleisure outfits to lifestyle products. With her wide range of partnerships and a loyal fanbase, Dunne’s influence continues to grow, and she shows no signs of slowing down in her last year of college.
While Dunne’s NIL earnings are undeniably impressive, this year has also seen two major players in college football making significant moves up the NIL rankings. Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star Travis Hunter, who has been a standout performer and Heisman Trophy favorite, has taken over the No. 3 spot in On3’s overall NIL rankings, with an estimated $4.7 million per year.
Hunter has captured the nation’s attention, not only with his on-field performances but also with his charisma and marketability, making him one of the most bankable athletes in college sports.
Meanwhile, Texas Longhorns freshman quarterback Arch Manning has ascended to No. 2 in the overall NIL rankings, earning $5.3 million annually.
Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, entered the college football scene with a legacy that precedes him, and his NIL deals reflect the excitement and expectations surrounding his career.
Manning’s combination of name recognition and football pedigree has made him a sought-after athlete for brands looking to capitalize on his star power.
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Still holding strong at the top of the NIL rankings is Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who leads the way with $6.2 million in annual earnings.
Sanders, who is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has made a name for himself not just through his talent as a quarterback, but also through his marketability and leadership both on and off the field.
With Hunter, Manning, and Sanders all making massive strides in the NIL world, Dunne has “slipped” to No. 4 overall in the rankings. Despite this, Dunne’s influence and earnings remain significant, and she continues to be a trailblazer for female athletes in the NIL space. Her “slip” in the rankings is more of a testament to the rapid rise of the college football stars than a sign of her own decline.
Livvy Dunne’s lifestyle is still the envy of many, and her star power is far from fading.
Beyond her NIL deals, she has also made headlines for her relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, further solidifying her place as one of the most followed and talked-about athletes on and off the field. With her business acumen and flair for capturing attention, Dunne is set to continue thriving, even as others rise in the NIL ranks.
As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, Livvy Dunne has shown that she knows how to navigate it successfully, using her talent, charisma, and savvy marketing to make the most of her opportunities.
Even if a few others have surpassed her in earnings, she remains a prominent figure in the NIL world, paving the way for the next generation of college athletes who dream of building their own brand empires.