Tennessee is among the top spenders in college sports, and the football program sees a good chunk of the purse. Naturally, fans start to wonder how the NIL money is being distributed and who is making the most, though.
With On3’s updated list of NIL valuations, we get a look into the finances. The player who signed the biggest NIL deal with the Vols for this season was edge rusher Chaz Coleman at a reported $2 million. However, after missing practices and workouts, Coleman was medically disqualified from UT’s roster and will not play with Tennessee.
With Coleman off the team, he won’t be owed that entire contract, though. Chris Low reported on the RTI: Low-Down that he had only been paid about $200k before his exit. However, it’s still money left on the board that Tennessee could’ve spent on bolstering its roster.
As far as players actually on the roster, this leaves left tackle David Sanders Jr. as the highest-compensated piece. On3 lists him at $1.7 million for his sophomore campaign. He is a former five-star recruit with high expectations for his second year within the program.
NEW: Top 10 On3 NIL Valuations in College Sports💰https://t.co/UvYa8usnp8 pic.twitter.com/G9rXzBKGTq
— On3 (@On3) July 14, 2026
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On3 lists second-year quarterback George MacIntyre as the third-biggest deal behind Coleman and Sanders. However, his number of $1.6 million isn’t a confirmed deal by On3, but instead is indicated as market value or ongoing negotiations.
On3 lists a number of players at the $1 million mark for this upcoming season. The site reports confirmed deals for five-star freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, five-star freshman wide receiver TK Keys and junior wide receiver Mike Matthews. DeSean Bishop is also placed at $1 million, but his figure is not listed as a confirmed deal.
The next group is also unconfirmed and listed in the market value or ongoing negotiation category by On3. That features cornerback Ty Redmond at $850k, wide receiver Braylon Staley at $750k and wide receiver Radarious Jackson at $400k.
