Reports Say Florida’s Thomas Haugh Could Top $10 Million in NIL to Return for Senior Year

Overview

• Haugh is returning to Florida for his senior season after projections had him as a 2026 NBA lottery-caliber pick, saying he chose pride and a title chase under coach Todd Golden.
• New reporting from CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander says his name, image and likeness earnings could exceed $10 million through third-party deals rather than direct university funds.
• The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie reports sources expect his compensation to roughly match what a top‑20 NBA rookie would make across two seasons, which some analysts say places him at or near the top of college basketball’s earners.
• He averaged about 17 points and 6 rebounds last season for the national champions, and his return pairs with Alex Condon’s to boost Florida’s preseason No. 1 outlook as Rueben Chinyelu tests the draft while keeping eligibility.
• Evaluators also flag risk to his long-term NBA earnings because he will enter the league older, which can affect draft position and delay a second contract where most NBA players make their biggest money.