10 richest California HS football stars based on NIL in 2023
In 2023, California high school football stars with the highest net incomes according to NIL are all elite performers who are committed to top college programs; seven players belong to Power Five programs while three others belong to top-tier FCS programs.
Zabien Brown of Mater Dei High School tops our list with his wealth. Ranked No. 6 cornerback in the nation by 247Sports Composite and having committed to Alabama as his college choice.
Malachi Nelson from Mater Dei is the second wealthiest player on this list and was recently recognized by 247Sports Composite as being No.1 quarterback nationally - and has committed himself to attending USC as well!
Dante Moore of St. John Bosco High School ranks third on this list with $3.6 Million worth. Moore holds two top ranking among quarterbacks by 247Sports Composite and has pledged his college commitment to Oregon University.
These players represent highly ranked recruits that are committed to top college programs and expected to have successful college careers before entering the NFL as professional footballers.
Effect of NIL on High School Football
NIL's introduction has had an immense impact on high school football. Players now have more control of how their name, image, and likeness are utilized -- leading to several high-profile endorsement deals with prominent companies and sponsorship deals for player appearances at local games.
Top high school football players across the nation can now earn significant funds before even arriving at college, significantly altering the recruiting process and leading them to pursue schools offering them NIL opportunities. This development has had a ripple effect, prompting more athletes than ever to seek schools offering lucrative National Interscholastic League contracts (NILs).
NIL has also had an advantageous impact on high school football programs. Players now more frequently commit to remaining at their respective high schools for senior year, since they can earn money playing for local teams that earn revenue off them and this improves overall competition quality in high school football competition.
NIL has had an immensely positive effect on high school football. Players now stand to reap financial rewards for their hard work and effort while programs gain from increased competition.
Updated: September 24, 2023
| Name | School | NIL Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Zabien Brown | Mater Dei | $148,000 |
| Malachi Nelson | Mater Dei | $135,000 |
| Dante Moore | St. John Bosco | $120,000 |
| Cincere Rucker | Long Beach Poly | $110,000 |
| Jaden Rashada | Pittsburg | $100,000 |
| Nico Iamaleava | Warren | $90,000 |
| Arch Manning | Isidore Newman | $80,000 |
| David Hicks | Mater Dei | $70,000 |
| Zachariah Branch | Bishop Gorman | $60,000 |
| Braylon Styles | Mater Dei | $50,000 |
| Tetairoa McMillan | St. John Bosco | $40,000 |
Conclusion
California high school football stars who topped the National Income Ledger List in 2023 based on NIL are all elite athletes committing to top collegiate programs, making these players likely candidates for successful college careers and eventual NFL careers.
NIL has had a profound effect on high school football. Players now have more opportunities than ever before to monetize their name, image and likeness for significant revenue, leading to various high-profile endorsement deals and stay at school longer to complete senior year of competition. Additionally, this positive change may improve programs by keeping players closer together during senior year playback.
What's Your Reaction?
