On3 NIL Valuation: Which Notre Dame defensive players top the list?

With the onset of name, image and likeness (NIL) rule changes, college football players are now able to profit off of their collegiate athletic careers. 

On3 has developed the On3 NIL Valuation, a tool which helps athletes, parents, coaches and fans better understand the complicated topic. 

The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

The NIL valuation is comprised of a number of dynamic data points that focus on two primary factors – an athlete’s social media presence and their level of athletic performance.

A base valuation is generated from the number of followers on each social media platform an athlete has (Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok). Each platform is weighted differently based on the number of marketing dollars that brands and advertisers typically spend on each.

PROMOTION: Sign up for just $1 for first year at Blue & Gold

From there, an athlete receives boosts or penalties for factors such as engagement on the platforms, college prestige, position, individual rankings, legacy, achievements, media and NIL deals.

On Monday, Blue & Gold released the top 10 offensive players on the Irish squad in terms of NIL valuation. Here is a look at the other side of the ball.

Note: The list includes players on the 2022 roster only.

10. S Justin Walters – $18,000

Walters recorded stats in just two games as a true freshman in 2021, but his NIL valuation is aided significantly by his social media following of over 18,000. Walters’ biggest advantage is on TikTok, where the defensive back has in excess of 12,000 followers, making each post worth around $68.

9. EDGE Jordan Botelho – $18,400

The Hawaii native is poised for a breakout season at Notre Dame after a rocky start to his college career. The dynamic pass rusher has been plagued by off-the-field issues even before he arrived in South Bend, but if he can work those out, he is in a position to make an impact on a strong Irish defense. Botelho made his first collegiate start against Wisconsin in September 2021, and he finished the year with 18 tackles and a pair of sacks.

8. LB Niuafe Tuihalamaka – $19,000

Tuihalamaka is one of three incoming freshmen on this list, all of whom are part of the best class of linebackers Notre Dame has had in the last 10 years. The California defenseman has seen his NIL valuation rise a decent amount in recent weeks since enrolling at Notre Dame (10 percent/$1,800).

7 . EDGE NaNa Osafo-Mensah – $19,300

Like Tuihalamaka, Osafo-Mensah’s NIL valuation has increased at a notable pace of nine percent since Jan. 4. His career thus far has been interrupted by a 2020 injury, but he will look to increase his name recognition as part of a veteran and respected group of pass rushers this fall.

6. EDGE Justin Ademilola – $19,500

Ademilola is the oldest player on this list and is a starter on what is expected to be one of the best defensive lines in the country next season. He made a name for himself in the backfield last year, recording 5.5 sacks. He will look to improve his draft stock in 2022, and if he does, expect his popularity and NIL valuation to jump.

PROMOTION: Sign up for just $1 for first year at Blue & Gold

5. S Brandon Joseph – $22,000

The Northwestern transfer and All-American has certainly made a name for himself in two full years of seeing the field, and that popularity and recognition should skyrocket at Notre Dame if he lives up to expectations. According to On3, Joseph was the No. 1 safety transfer in the nation this year and the No. 5 defensive transfer overall.

4. LB Nolan Ziegler – $24,000

Despite never having played a snap at Notre Dame, the early enrollee is No. 4 amongst Irish defensemen in terms of NIL valuation. Ziegler cracks the top 300 on the high school football NIL rank list, coming in at No. 280. While Ziegler is the lowest-rated linebacker in Notre Dame’s 2022 class, many expect him to ultimately be one of the best signees of the group. If he proves to have been underrated as a recruit, his stock will certainly grow.

3. LB Jaylen Sneed – $26,000

Ziegler’s classmate checks in at No. 3 on the defensive list. On3 ranks the highly anticipated linebacker as the No. 1 player from South Carolina, the No. 2 linebacker in the 2022 class and the No. 26 player nationally. Over the last five weeks, Sneed’s NIL valuation has risen by 10 percent, and you can expect it to continue to grow once he sees the field in South Bend.

2. LB JD Bertrand – $64,000

In a breakout season, Bertrand was the leading tackler for the Irish in 2021 (102 stops) and returns for his fourth season this fall. Bertrand’s NIL value increase over the last five weeks is the largest on this list by a wide margin (60 percent/$24,000).

1. EDGE Isaiah Foskey – $83,000

Foskey is the best proven player returning to Notre Dame in 2022, and it shows in his NIL valuation. The EDGE rusher leads the defense and falls second on the team behind tight end Michael Mayer.

He also has the biggest social media following (18,700 on the three aforementioned platforms), and his Instagram per post value is $203, which leads the defense. Foskey checks in at No. 184 in terms of NIL valuation among active college football players.