David Bailey’s NIL Value and Impact at Texas Tech

Texas Tech made a big move when they brought in linebacker David Bailey from Stanford, and it has turned into one of the biggest wins of their season. Bailey was wanted by top programs like Texas and UCLA, but Texas Tech’s strong NIL support helped convince him to join the Red Raiders.

Reports say the school invested heavily in rebuilding its defensive line through the transfer portal, and Bailey received about $3 million of that. At the time, this made him the highest-paid defensive player in college football.

So far, that decision is paying off. David Bailey leads all FBS players with 58 quarterback pressures this season. He has helped Texas Tech’s defense rise to No. 1 in the nation against the run, and the team has forced 16 fumbles. Because of performances like this, the Red Raiders have climbed into the College Football Playoff Top 10.

Before transferring, David Bailey spent three seasons at Stanford. He finished his time there with 111 tackles and earned true freshman All-American honors in 2022. He posted an impressive 90.9 player grade from PFF in 2024, which ranked him sixth in the country. Now in his senior year at Texas Tech, he has already collected 16 solo tackles and continues to be one of the main leaders on the defense.

While college athletes’ contracts are private, On3 has estimated Bailey’s current NIL value at around $1.2 million. That places him among the top pass rushers in the college football NIL rankings and inside the Top 50 overall. Even though he has not yet announced any major sponsorships or brand partnerships, his on-field play has made him a well-known name.

Texas Tech General Manager James Blanchard believed in David Bailey early and reportedly told him during recruitment, “This is going to be the outcome.” Right now, that prediction looks accurate. Texas Tech is in the race for a Big 12 championship and remains a strong playoff contender.

The Red Raiders still have key games left against BYU, West Virginia, and UCF. But no matter what happens next, it’s clear that the investment in David Bailey has been worth it for Texas Tech — both on the field and in building momentum for the program’s future.

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