CEO Shares Honest Review Of Working With Travis Hunter Through NIL Partnership

Very few college football players have benefited more from the emergence of Name, Image and Likeness than Colorado superstar Travis Hunter.

Hunter, a two-way player for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, is one of the most recognizable names in the sport, boasting over 2 million social media followers and an additional 286,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel.

On3 recently spoke with Mike Baruch, the CEO of SoHoodie, an apparel company that Hunter is an ambassador of via NIL.

Baruch praised Hunter, referring to him as an ‘absolute gem.’

“[SoHoodie co-worker] Matt [Fine] and I were sitting here the other day and I said, ‘Hey, I got to ask him [Travis] something,’” Baruch said. “I was able to pick up the phone, call him and on two rings he picked up and answered. So from a respect to transparency level, and just doing business, really just an absolute gem.”

According to On3’s NIL100 (a ranking of the most valuable college athletes based off of performance, influence and exposure), Hunter has the third highest valuation of any college football player, and fifth of any collegiate athlete with a valuation of $2.3M.

Hunter’s social media reach speaks for itself, but he also plays in front of millions of people every Saturday as a member of one of the most covered programs in America, Colorado.

With all eyes tuned into the Colorado vs. USC game, Hunter, who did not play due to injury, gave the brand even more recognition when he donned the hoodie on the sideline. Baruch explained that situation:

“And then from that aspect of what he’s been able to do, above and beyond,” Baruch continued. “We had a plan of doing some posts together, which we went down and did a photo shoot in Colorado came out really good. Next thing we know, a few weeks later, he comes out on the USC game wearing the hoodie on the sideline the whole game, bringing awareness to the brand.”

Travis Hunter walks on the field prior to the game vs. USC wearing his line of the ‘I’m Him’ hoodies from SoHoodie. John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter has been building his brand since he was in high school, where he ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the nation before committing to Jackson State.

“I think it’s a testament to what Travis has been able to build from his brand since high school leading up to today,” Baruch said. “His brand and what he’s able to do on the field speaks volumes for all the deals and things that come with that. And SoHoodie is part of that.”