THE WEEKLY REPORT

Good Morning!

From breakout stars lighting up the court to major brands locking in buzzy NIL deals, athlete marketing is having a moment. The postseason spotlight is creating real-time momentum—and the smartest brands are jumping in while the iron is hot.

This week, we're spotlighting Walter Clayton’s rise during the tournament, breaking down Arch Manning’s new deal with Vuori, and revealing which college sports have the highest average engagement rates. Let’s jump in.

— Jack Adler and Nick Zoarski

Walter Clayton Jr.’s Meteoric Rise: A Case Study in Athlete Branding

Walter Clayton Jr.'s journey from a relatively unknown athlete to a household name is a testament to the dynamic intersection of athletic performance and personal branding. Beginning the season with approximately 9,600 Instagram followers, Clayton's consistent excellence on the court—especially during Florida’s March Madness run—has catapulted his follower count to over 100,000, a staggering 941% increase.

Brands using Out2Win’s platform to track rising stars in real time were among the first to spot his momentum and move quickly.

Social Media Growth:

• Start of Season: ~9,600 followers

• February 28: ~12,900 followers

• April 9: 100,000+ followers

• Growth Since March Madness: 675%

Brands he partnered with during March Madness:

• TurboTax: Announced on March 28, 2025, aligning with tax season to promote accessible filing solutions.

• CELSIUS: Part of a broader campaign partnering with players from each NCAA tournament team, emphasizing energy and performance.

• Fifth Third Bank: Highlighting financial literacy and services tailored for student-athletes.

• State Farm: Focusing on insurance solutions for young adults and athletes.

• Raising Cane’s: Promoting the brand's commitment to supporting collegiate sports.

• PSD Underwear: Showcasing lifestyle and athletic apparel.

• Stanley: Featuring durable products suited for athletic lifestyles.

• Spec Seats: Emphasizing premium seating solutions for sports enthusiasts.

Clayton’s story is a prime example of how brands that move fast—and use the right tools—can capitalize on breakout moments before the rest of the market catches up.

👉 To learn about how brands like these are using Out2Win’s platform to build impactful athlete partnerships, click here.

Arch Manning x Vuori: A Strategic NIL Match

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has officially added Vuori to his carefully curated NIL portfolio. Known for being selective and strategic with his endorsements, this marks his first major fashion and lifestyle partnership—and it's a perfect brand fit.

Vuori, a premium California-based activewear brand, has made a name for itself by aligning with rising stars who represent authenticity, performance, and staying grounded under pressure. Arch checks all those boxes.

Why it matters:

• Vuori adds Arch to a roster that includes other NIL stars like LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, signaling their long-term commitment to the college athlete space.

• Arch continues to play the long game—only aligning with brands that reflect his values and public image.

• His marketability is expected to rise as he’s poised to take over as QB1 for Texas, with national spotlight moments ahead.

Manning’s NIL Portfolio So Far:

• Red Bull – Energy and performance

• Uber Eats – Everyday lifestyle

• Panini America – Trading cards and memorabilia

• Vuori – Elevated activewear and off-the-field presence

Arch Manning’s deal with Vuori is more than just a clothing collab—it’s a branding move. And it shows how lifestyle-focused brands are looking beyond performance, betting on character and long-term resonance.

The Most Engaged Audiences in College Sports

When it comes to athlete marketing, follower count isn’t everything—engagement rate is often a better indicator of how connected an athlete is with their audience. And when you break it down by sport, some surprising trends emerge.

Here are the top 5 college sports by average engagement rate:

• Cheer: 15.70%

• Wrestling: 10.03%

• Basketball: 9.89%

• Football: 9.73%

• Softball: 9.62%

What this tells us:

• Cheer athletes consistently lead the pack—not just because of high energy content, but because their audiences are deeply engaged. These creators often have loyal followings built around lifestyle and personality-driven content.

• Wrestling and softball athletes are proving to be highly engaged communities, often overlooked despite the strong connection they have with their followers.

• Football and basketball, the biggest stage sports, are still high on the list—but their slightly lower engagement rates reflect the sheer scale and variety of their audiences.

Whether you’re a brand looking for reach or connection, these insights are key. The most valuable athlete for your campaign might not always be the one with the biggest following—but the one whose audience actually listens.

👉 If you’re ready to make data your competitive edge in athlete marketing, reach out to us here to learn more.

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