2025 NIL Store Awards
WHAT TO EXPECT
The NIL Store is celebrating the 2025 NIL Store Awards for the second consecutive year, which will culminate on #NILDay (July 1) recognizing the fourth anniversary of the passing of NIL legislation.
The awards feature an array of categories from the past academic year, highlighting athletes, administrators, school partners and the best merch collaborations!
*Award winners were determined via a combination of a fan vote and an NIL Store internal committee.
2025 NIL Award Winners
The Nominations
Nominees were voted upon and selected by NIL Store staff members. Winners will be determined by a fan vote, in addition to input from an NIL Store Awards committee.
Merch Moment of the Year
Recognizing the greatest apparel drop that resulted from a “moment.”
Other Finalists:
- Ashton Jeanty - Boise State Football - The Boogeyman
- Johnny Kinziger - Illinois State Men’s Basketball - Victory Runs Red
- Jack Sawyer - Ohio State Football - Scoop N’ Score
- St. John’s Men’s Basketball - BIG EAST Champs
NIL Director of the Year
Recognizing the school NIL Director who went above and beyond on behalf of their student-athletes in collaboration with the NIL Store.
Other Finalists:
- Logan Hittle - Ohio State University
- Zack McKay - University of Louisville
- Haneen Rashwan - Baylor University
- Terrell Smith - Duke University
Philanthropic Spirit Award
Recognizing the athlete who supported the greatest philanthropic endeavor through their apparel sales.
Other Finalists:
- Sam Leavitt - Arizona State Football - Donation of earnings to teammates
- Sitori Tanin and Parker Van Buren - Loyola (Chicago) - Crohn’s Research
- UConn Women’s Basketball Team - Zittoun Foundation
- WBB Stars - DENA Heals Collaboration
Licensing Director of the Year
Recognizing the Licensing Director who went above and beyond on behalf of their school in collaboration with the NIL Store.
Other Finalists:
- Kyle Muncy - University of Connecticut
- Lindsay Martin - DePaul University
- Jeri Thorpe - University of Arkansas
Most Innovative Athlete Design Campaign
Recognizing the athlete who collaborated with the NIL Store’s creative team on the most innovative design.
Other Finalists:
Best School Activation of the Year
Recognizing the NIL Store’s greatest apparel activation in collaboration with a school partner.
Other Finalists:
Highest Earning Olympic Male Athlete (non-basketball/football)
Recognizing the NIL Store’s highest earning (non-basketball/football) male athlete.
Other Finalists:
Highest Earning Olympic Female Athlete (non-basketball)
Recognizing the NIL Store’s highest earning (non-basketball) female athlete.
Other Finalists: