Over the past few years, player pay through name, image, and likeness (NIL) has given some of college football’s greatest players—such as Carson Beck, quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs—a financial windfall. Colleges may pay athletes using NIL as of 2021 as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling in NCAA v. Alston. As previously said, Beck is the most recent to make a significant acquisition. According to Front Office Sports, he bought a Lamborghini Urus Performante with the money he received for his sports services. At sale, the Lamborghini Urus Performante costs approximately $270,000.
A four-star prospect per 247Sports, Carson Beck joined the Georgia Bulldogs in 2020. Beck sat behind two-time national champion Stetson Bennett for three seasons before earning the starting gig last year. He threw for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns against six picks while completing 72% of his passes. He also ran 59 times for 117 yards and four scores. Beck finished eighth in the country regarding passing efficiency rating while leading the team to a 13-1 record. However, Georgia missed the College Football Playoff after losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship.
According to On3 Sports, Beck has an NIL valuation of $1.5 million. The recruiting website lists Beck as the sixth most valued college football player. Colorado Buffaloes gunslinger Shedeur Sanders leads the way with a $4.7 million NIL valuation.
Carson Beck is just one of many athletes who have showcased their riches on social media over the years. Former USC Trojans quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy Award Winner Caleb Williams shared a post of his Los Angeles Penthouse earlier this year, while Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders drives a Rolls-Royce around on campus.
Before the acceptance of player compensation, paying athletes could result in sanctions for a university. Former USC Trojans star running back Reggie Bush had his Heisman Trophy Award returned after the school got hammered with sanctions regarding the athlete receiving lavish gifts during his college football career. USC had to vacate wins. Meanwhile, fellow Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton also faced an investigation due to allegations that his father accepted money.
