5 College Football Stars of the Past Who Would Have Cash in Big Time Today

College football has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of the transfer portal and the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. These developments have sparked a discussion about which players from the past could have greatly benefited from these modern changes.

One player who immediately comes to mind is former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow was a household name throughout his college career, winning the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore and becoming a marketable star. Even today, Tebow remains a recognizable figure in the sports world, and his popularity would have undoubtedly translated into financial opportunities through NIL.

Another player who could have capitalized on NIL is Cam Newton. Newton's career took an interesting trajectory, starting at Florida before transferring to Blinn College and eventually finding success at Auburn. In the current era, he would have had multiple chances to leverage NIL deals and potentially spark bidding wars between programs in the transfer portal.

Brian Bosworth, a former Oklahoma linebacker, is another player who would have thrived in the NIL era. Known for his flashy personality and opposition to the NCAA, Bosworth would have been a social media superstar, generating financial opportunities throughout the state of Oklahoma.

Randy Moss, who initially played at Marshall before transferring from Florida State, is a prime example of a player who would have commanded a significant bidding war in today's transfer portal. Moss had a breakout season at Marshall, and his immense talent would have attracted numerous suitors looking to capitalize on his skills and marketability.

Notre Dame quarterbacks, such as Ron Powlus and Brady Quinn, would have also benefited from the support of their passionate fan bases and the desire to restore the program to its former glory. As college football became more accessible through cable television and highlights gained prominence, these quarterbacks would have had ample opportunities to cash in on NIL.

The explosion of YouTube and social media brought a new era of highlight culture, allowing players like Michael Vick, Reggie Bush, Pat White, Steve Slaton, Denard Robinson, and De'Anthony Thomas to become superstars. Their electrifying plays would have garnered even more attention and endorsement deals in today's digital age.

Overall, the transfer portal and NIL era have opened up exciting possibilities for college football players. While the stars of the 1990s and early 2000s may have missed out on these opportunities, it's fascinating to imagine how their careers would have been shaped by the modern landscape of college football.

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