Longhorns Daily News: Texas QB Arch Manning is still the highest-paid college athlete

Austin—Texas quarterback Arch Manning continues to top the college athletics money chart, with On3’s updated name, image, and likeness evaluation pegging his 2026 market value at $5.4 million. The sophomore signal-caller’s figure not only keeps him in the national No. 1 slot but also gives him a seven-figure cushion over the next-closest athletes: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith at $4.2 million and incoming BYU basketball phenom AJ Dybantsa.

Industry analysts expect Manning’s lead to hold through the calendar year. The gap reflects both the quarterback’s marquee surname and Texas’ robust NIL infrastructure, which has maximized his visibility across local and national campaigns since he arrived on the Forty Acres. With no rival prospect currently trending toward a comparable valuation, Manning’s stranglehold on the top spot appears secure as spring workouts continue in Austin.