Florida forward Thomas Haugh shocked the college football world when he opted to return to Gainesville for an extra season, despite being a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Last season, Haugh distinguished himself as one of the most polished forwards in college basketball, boosting his draft stock immensely.
Reports have indicated that the influential Haugh will be one of the most well-paid student-athletes in the country next season, earning up to $8 million.
Analyst Hails Thomas Haugh’s Mammoth NIL Payment To Return to Florida
During an appearance on the “Ross Tucker” podcast on Thursday, sports law professor Andrew Brandt used Haugh’s return to Gainesville as an example of players cashing in on the NIL boom in college basketball over declaring for the NBA Draft.
“These 2025-2026 and maybe 2027 athletes are the golden era,” Brandt said. “They won the lottery, making millions of dollars in college. So much so that we’re having the Combine and everyone is worried that the draft is gonna fall off a cliff after pick 20-25. Everyone’s coming back to college, why wouldn’t they? The money is better.”
“This is where we are. I keep going back to Thomas Haugh. Went back to Florida for $6-8 million, think about that. If he’s playing for Florida for $8 million and playing 30 games a year, what’s that like playing 90 games in the NBA? If he’s making $8 million, that’s like making $24 million.”
Haugh averaged 17.1 points on 46% shooting from the floor and 32.6% shooting from beyond the arc, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Florida last season, but was unable to lead the Gators to the highs of the previous season. The talented forward scored 20 or more points 13 times and managed four double-doubles last season.
In an April segment of the “Eye on College Basketball” podcast, CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander pinpointed the scale of Haugh’s huge payday at Florida.
“Haugh, at worst, is going to be the fourth-highest paid college basketball player ever,” Norlander said. “I would be downright shocked and refuse to believe that Haugh is coming back for anything less than $8 million. That puts him in the category with Cooper Flagg, AJ Dybantsa and maybe Cameron Boozer. That’s it. Good on him for getting the bag.”
With Haugh’s return, coach Todd Golden boasts one of the most stacked rosters in college basketball, including influential pieces like forward Alex Condon and guard Boogie Fland running it back in Gainesville. Forward Rueben Chinyelu has been impressive at the combine, but maintained his eligibility.
The Gators also added former Kentucky Wildcats guard Denzel Aberdeen to their roster to stake their claim as one of the most experienced teams in the country and the team to beat next season.
