Two Texas Longhorns stars secure new NIL deals ahead of March Madness, boosting their profiles and financial opportunities.

As the NCAA Tournament, better known as March Madness, approaches, student-athletes continue to experience a transformative shift in the way they can monetize their names, images, and likenesses (NIL). The world of college sports has never been more lucrative for top-tier athletes, particularly as the NIL landscape continues to evolve. Among the many student-athletes who have successfully capitalized on these opportunities are two prominent stars from the University of Texas Longhorns basketball team.

In this article, we delve into the significance of the new NIL deals that two key Texas Longhorns stars have secured ahead of the 2025 March Madness. These deals not only mark a monumental moment in the athletes’ careers but also underscore the growing influence of NIL in the modern college sports environment. As the Longhorns make a push for a deep run in the tournament, their newly acquired NIL deals will enhance their exposure and financial standing as they look to leave their mark on the court and in the business world.

The Emergence of NIL in College Sports

The advent of NIL rights for college athletes in July 2021 was a watershed moment for collegiate sports. No longer confined to the limitations of amateurism, student-athletes gained the ability to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. For years, athletes in sports like football and basketball were the backbone of multi-billion-dollar industries, but they were unable to benefit from their own fame. The implementation of NIL has flipped that paradigm, allowing athletes to engage in endorsement deals, social media promotions, personal branding, and more.

This seismic shift has led to the rise of student-athletes who are able to tap into their marketability, creating opportunities that go beyond the field of play. In the world of basketball, where stars shine in front of national audiences, NIL deals have become an essential component of an athlete’s career. These opportunities extend far beyond the game itself, giving athletes a chance to build their personal brand, earn financial stability, and lay the groundwork for a career after college athletics.

The Texas Longhorns’ Basketball Program and March Madness

The University of Texas has long been one of the premier basketball programs in college sports. With a legacy of success in the Big 12 and a consistently competitive team, the Longhorns are often contenders in the NCAA Tournament. As Texas heads into March Madness, the team’s success on the court will provide ample exposure for their star players, making it a prime time for athletes to capitalize on NIL opportunities.

In the run-up to March Madness, as the stakes get higher and the national spotlight intensifies, the attention on student-athletes grows exponentially. This is where NIL deals become pivotal, as top players can align themselves with national brands looking to tap into the momentum of the tournament. The NCAA Tournament is an event watched by millions, making it the perfect platform for athletes to amplify their profiles and boost their marketability.

Two Texas Longhorns Stars: Names Behind the Deals

Ahead of this year’s March Madness, two Texas Longhorns stars—guards Tyrese Hunter and Marcus Carr—have secured significant NIL deals that will elevate their exposure as they aim for tournament success.

1. Tyrese Hunter: The Dynamic Playmaker

Tyrese Hunter, a sophomore guard for the Longhorns, has emerged as one of the team’s standout players. Known for his electrifying style of play, Hunter has become a fan favorite in Texas and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Standing at 6 feet, Hunter’s combination of speed, ball-handling skills, and scoring ability make him a potent force in the Big 12 and on the national stage.

Hunter’s path to success started with his freshman year at Iowa State, where he earned the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Transferring to Texas in the offseason, Hunter has continued to develop under head coach Rodney Terry’s system, making key contributions on both ends of the floor. As the Longhorns have ascended in the rankings, Hunter has consistently been one of the team’s most important players, setting the tone with his quickness and ability to score in a variety of ways.

Recognizing his immense marketability, Hunter signed a new NIL deal with a prominent Texas-based company ahead of March Madness. The deal is centered around promoting local businesses and products related to sports and fitness. Hunter’s high profile, combined with his on-court success, makes him a highly attractive figure for brands looking to connect with both the Texas and national fanbases.

The deal not only benefits Hunter financially but also provides him with additional exposure as he continues to make waves in the NCAA Tournament. His partnership with the Texas-based brand is set to provide a steady stream of content on his social media platforms, which will attract more sponsorship opportunities as he gains even greater attention during March Madness.

2. Marcus Carr: The Senior Leader

Marcus Carr, a senior guard for the Texas Longhorns, is a seasoned player with a wealth of experience. Having transferred from the University of Minnesota in 2021, Carr has been a key contributor to the Longhorns’ success in recent seasons. As a senior, Carr has assumed a leadership role for the team, bringing poise and maturity to the court, especially in high-pressure moments.

Carr is widely regarded as one of the best guards in college basketball. He has an ability to score, facilitate, and defend, making him a versatile player that opposing teams must account for at all times. Carr’s leadership and well-rounded game have been crucial to Texas’ success, and as a result, he is viewed as a potential NBA draft prospect. His combination of skill, charisma, and marketability makes him an ideal candidate for NIL opportunities, especially as the Longhorns enter March Madness with a solid chance at going deep into the tournament.

Carr’s NIL deal is structured around brand partnerships that focus on lifestyle, fitness, and athletic gear, taking advantage of his status as a senior and his established presence on social media. With his mature and polished persona, Carr’s appeal to brands is undeniable, and his deal allows him to promote products in ways that resonate with both younger and older demographics. With the national spotlight on him during March Madness, Carr’s deal is expected to significantly raise his profile, providing him with financial stability and enhancing his personal brand.

How NIL Deals Impact College Athletes

The impact of NIL deals on college athletes cannot be overstated. For athletes like Tyrese Hunter and Marcus Carr, NIL deals represent more than just financial compensation. They are tools for establishing long-term personal brands that can set the foundation for post-college careers. Whether it’s continuing their playing careers in the NBA or transitioning into business ventures after basketball, NIL deals offer athletes the ability to build an empire that extends far beyond the court.

For Hunter and Carr, these deals also provide tangible financial benefits that can ease the pressures of being a student-athlete. They no longer have to rely solely on scholarships or stipends; they now have the opportunity to generate income through partnerships with major brands. This newfound financial freedom allows them to focus on their training, education, and performance without the added stress of financial instability.

Moreover, NIL deals also represent an opportunity for athletes to use their platform for social good. Both Hunter and Carr have been vocal about issues that matter to them, including community service and activism. Through their NIL deals, they can use their increased visibility to advocate for causes they care about, making an impact off the court as well.

The Growing Importance of NIL in College Basketball

As March Madness draws near, the importance of NIL deals in college basketball continues to grow. The exposure provided by the tournament presents athletes with unparalleled opportunities to boost their visibility and secure lucrative endorsements. For teams like the Texas Longhorns, having players with strong NIL presences can create a competitive advantage both on and off the court. As more athletes leverage their NIL opportunities, it creates an ecosystem in which personal branding and financial opportunities are just as important as athletic performance.

For the Longhorns, securing top-tier NIL deals for Hunter and Carr will not only boost their profiles but also shine a light on the program as a whole. The Texas basketball team’s success in March Madness could lead to even more NIL opportunities for the team, drawing attention from other major brands seeking to associate with the Longhorns’ growing success. This increasing intersection of athletics and business is shaping the future of college basketball and college sports as a whole.