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Olivia Dunne, the highest-paid woman in college sports, is facing a drop in her NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rankings, despite having once dominated the list. As of January 2025, Olivia remains one of the top earners in college sports, but her NIL value has stagnated and her position has slipped from second place to sixth.
Although her NIL value remains a respectable $4.2 million, the competition has intensified, and other athletes have surged ahead, leaving Olivia wondering about her future prospects in the ever-evolving world of college sports branding.
What caused the unexpected decline in Olivia Dunne's NIL ranking?
When Olivia returned to LSU for her senior year after already graduating in December 2024, many expected her decision to boost her NIL standing. The extra year of eligibility, granted because of the NCAA's COVID-19 pause, was thought to provide her an opportunity to capitalize on her fame and strengthen her position among the nation's top-earning athletes.
However, her return to LSU hasn't had the impact that many anticipated. Initially, in December 2024, Olivia sat comfortably in third place, with an NIL value of $4.2 million. But just days later, Arch Manning, the highly-touted redshirt freshman football star, sured her, reaching $4.8 million. This marked the beginning of a steady decline in Olivia's rank.
By December 4th, 2024, Travis Hunter, a wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, overtook Olivia and pushed her to fourth place with a value of $4.2 million. Hunter's climb continued, and by December 13th, he was ranked second with $5.2 million. Olivia's ranking remained stagnant while others sured her.
As December came to a close, Olivia found herself falling further behind. Arch Manning's NIL value climbed to $5.5 million, while Travis Hunter reached $5.7 million. Shedeur Sanders, who had been the leader in NIL earnings, remained at the top with a value of $6.5 million.
By January 2025, Olivia's rank had dropped to sixth place, with a widening gap between her and the athletes ahead of her. Manning claimed the top spot with an impressive $6.6 million, while Sanders was in second place with $6.5 million. Olivia's $4.2 million put her behind not only Manning and Sanders but also other rising stars like Hunter, who remained in third, and Quinn Ewers, who claimed the fourth position with $4.5 million.
With Olivia's senior season at LSU winding down, the future of her NIL career is uncertain. Although she has secured partnerships with over 20 brands, including Vuori, American Eagle, Nautica, and Body Armour, her NIL growth has plateaued in recent months.
Olivia's decision to return to LSU may have initially seemed like a strategic move to increase her visibility and NIL value, but the reality has been less promising. As her ranking continues to slide, Olivia faces pressure to secure new deals and reclaim her position in the competitive NIL market.