10 college football players who have increased their NIL value so far in 2026

The price for keeping top-end talent is a headache for college football coaches and front office staffs. In the NIL and revenue-share era, retention is just as important as talent acquisition when decisions are made after the season.

Breakout on-field production creates potential offseason leverage for teams looking to keep their best players. There are a few players who could see a sizable windfall given their 2026 impact as NIL contracts are negotiated and new deals are locked in.

The midseason All-American announced recently that he was returning to the Beavers in 2027 after his breakout freshman season. With a new contract in place for Legree, Oregon State will not have to worry about the upcoming transfer portal cycle or about teams tampering with its prized possession.

Through eight games, Legree leads the FBS in receiving yards (1,110) and touchdowns (14), besting Ohio State Heisman candidate Jeremiah Smith in the categories, and his 20.9 yards per catch average is ninth-best in the country. A former three-star recruit out of Baltimore, Maryland, Legree has been the most impactful first-year player nationally and has been rewarded for it.

Prior to a toe injury suffered against Alabama that eventually ended his season, Taylor…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/