IT IS DONE: Latest Contract of Day Wisconsin Badgers American football Current Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr Signed 4 years new contract deal $7.9 million with… see more

In what is being called the biggest NIL deal in Wisconsin Badgers football history, starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has officially signed a 4-year Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract worth $7.9 million, aligning him with a portfolio of major brands and solidifying his place as one of the top earners in college football.

The deal, negotiated through a collective of sponsors, marketing agencies, and local Wisconsin-based companies, makes Edwards Jr. not only a star on the field but also a brand in the making.

“This is more than just a contract — it’s a commitment to community, legacy, and performance,” Edwards Jr. said during a press conference at Camp Randall Stadium. “I’m proud to represent the Badgers and Wisconsin both on and off the field.”

🔹 Breaking Down the Deal

Though NCAA players are not salaried employees and cannot receive “contracts” in the traditional NFL sense, NIL agreements now allow them to profit from endorsements, sponsorships, appearances, and branded content.

Billy Edwards Jr.’s 4-year, $7.9 million agreement includes:

• 📸 Brand Endorsements: Multi-year deals with Midwest-based companies in apparel, dairy, energy drinks, and local tech

• 📺 Media Content: A docuseries set to air on a regional sports network covering his rise from Maryland transfer to Big Ten quarterback

• 🎓 Community Engagement: Paid appearances at youth football camps, high school mentorship programs, and non-profit events across Wisconsin

• 🛍️ Merchandise & Licensing: Custom apparel line and digital collectibles in partnership with the Badgers NIL collective

The deal averages just under $2 million per year, putting Edwards Jr. among the top 15 NIL earners in college football nationwide, according to sports business sources.

🔹 From Backup to Big Deal

Edwards Jr., a transfer from Maryland, began his Wisconsin career under the radar. But after a breakout 2024 season and a fiery start to 2025, he’s earned the trust of both fans and scouts alike.

Quick stats (2025 season to date):

• 🏈 2,734 passing yards

• ⚡ 22 touchdowns

• 🚀 68.3% completion rate

• 🔥 Led Wisconsin to a 5–1 start in Big Ten play

Known for his dual-threat capabilities and poise in pressure situations, Edwards Jr. has quickly become the face of Luke Fickell’s revamped Badgers offense.

🔹 The Business of College Football

Edwards Jr.’s NIL deal is the latest sign that the college football economy has transformed. The once-taboo concept of paying players is now mainstream, and schools with strong alumni networks and NIL collectives are using these tools to recruit, retain, and reward elite talent.

Wisconsin, traditionally a blue-blood football school with a loyal fanbase, has now proven it can compete in the new era of NIL, leveraging its regional business community to keep rising stars like Edwards Jr. in Madison.

“Billy’s deal shows that the Wisconsin brand is strong,” said Jeff Meyers, director of the Badgers NIL collective. “We’re not just keeping up — we’re leading.”

🔹 Fan Reaction: Pride and Excitement

The reaction from Badgers Nation has been overwhelmingly positive:

“He deserves every penny. Dude’s a leader, a baller, and a class act.” – @BadgerNation22
“Billy just changed what it means to be a QB at Wisconsin.” – @WiscoGridiron
“It’s about time we paid our stars like stars. Let’s go!” – @RedZoneRiot

The energy around the program is the highest it’s been since Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl runs — with students lining up outside Camp Randall for tickets and local businesses jumping on board to support the QB who’s become the face of the state.

🔹 What’s Next for Billy Edwards Jr.?

With the deal inked, Edwards Jr. now turns his attention back to the field. The Badgers are entering the final stretch of Big Ten play and are firmly in the race for a conference title and a potential College Football Playoff berth.

Scouts are already projecting him as a Day 2 NFL Draft pick in 2026 if he declares early, but Edwards Jr. hasn’t tipped his hand. For now, he’s focused on winning.

“None of this matters if we don’t finish strong,” he said. “The money, the media — that’s all extra. My job is to bring a championship to Madison.”

🔹 NIL in the Big Ten: A New Era

Billy Edwards Jr.’s deal is part of a broader trend:

Wisconsin’s message is clear: We’re playing to win — on the field and in the NIL arms race.

📝 Final Word

Billy Edwards Jr. is no longer just a quarterback. He’s a brand, a business, and a symbol of where college football is headed.

What started as a transfer bet on himself has become a full-circle moment for a player who now carries the weight — and support — of a state on his shoulders.

It is done.
The deal is signed.
The future of Badgers football just got a whole lot brighter.