April 30, 2025 — Ann Arbor, MI
In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era of college athletics, the Michigan Wolverines have awarded star quarterback Jalen Matthews a record-setting $90 million contract upgrade through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships, making him the highest-compensated athlete in college football history.
The five-star junior, who led Michigan to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and a national title in 2024, signed an enhanced NIL agreement package that includes endorsements, equity stakes, and performance-based incentives. While not a traditional player contract — which remains prohibited under NCAA rules — the deal is structured through a consortium of corporate sponsors and Michigan’s collective, “Maize and Blue Futures.”
“This is about rewarding excellence and leadership on and off the field,” said Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel. “Jalen represents everything the University of Michigan stands for, and we’re proud to support him in a way that reflects his value.”
Sources indicate that the deal spans 3 years and includes partnerships with Nike, Ford, and a custom cryptocurrency initiative branded “GoBlueCoin.” Matthews will also appear in national commercials and star in a docuseries co-produced by Netflix and the Big Ten Network.
The quarterback, already considered a future No. 1 NFL Draft pick, expressed gratitude in a press conference held Tuesday morning.
“I came to Michigan to win, to grow, and to represent something bigger than myself. This opportunity means I can focus on football, stay another year, and give everything to this program.”
Analysts say the announcement could reshape college football’s NIL landscape, putting pressure on other powerhouse programs to offer similarly structured deals to retain elite talent amid growing interest from professional leagues and international competitors.
Former Heisman winner and Michigan alum Charles Woodson reacted to the news on social media, saying, “Times have changed — and Michigan just changed the game again.”
With Matthews locked in and a stacked roster returning in 2025, the Wolverines are early favorites to defend their national title — and now boast one of the most valuable athletes in all of American sports.
