Figures vary greatly but, at the Power 5 level, most elite collectives say they are distributing $3 million to $5 million annually to athletes in their schools’ athletic departments. A small group of elite players, mostly elite returning quarterbacks or high-level QB recruits, are making seven figures, while another portion of high-level starters are pulling in low six figures. Experts say the vast majority of Power 5 football players are earning less than $100,000, and a baseline of $25,000 to $75,000 has emerged.
