Elijhah Badger’s journey from South Sacramento to the bright lights of the SEC, and now to the doorstep of the NFL, is one of resilience and growth
He’s a player who took every opportunity to improve, and now, he’s poised to take the next step.
Whether he hears his name called on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL Draft, one thing is certain—Elijhah Badger has the tools, experience, and mindset to make an impact at the next level. His story is far from over; in fact, it’s just beginning.
Elijhah Badger may not be the flashiest NIL name in college sports, but he’s quickly becoming one of the smartest.
His careful, meaningful selection of partnerships, especially with community-oriented organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and Balance 180 Gym, demonstrates a maturity beyond his years.
In an industry where headlines are often dominated by big-dollar deals and flashy endorsements, Badger’s approach is a refreshing reminder that substance, character, and strategic thinking still matter — both on and off the field.
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Table of Contents
Elijhah Badger: Who Is He?
From Sacramento to the SEC
Elijhah Badger’s path to college football success has been one marked by perseverance, growth, and eye-catching performances.1
A native of South Sacramento, California, Badger rose from humble beginnings to become one of the more consistent wide receivers in college football, leaving his mark both in the Pac-12 and the SEC.
Scouting reports on Badger have largely been positive, especially regarding his speed, body control, and ability to win one-on-one matchups. Analysts have also noted his growth in understanding coverages and adjusting routes mid-play.
However, some scouts believe he needs to refine his release off the line and bulk up slightly to withstand press coverage in the NFL. Still, his combination of production, adaptability, and athleticism gives him the potential to develop into a starter in a few years.
— EKB (@Elijhahbadger2) April 16, 2025
Roots in Folsom: High School Stardom
Elijhah Badger attended Folsom High School in Folsom, California, a program known for producing high-level football talent.
During his time there, Badger developed into a dynamic playmaker, using his speed and athleticism to separate himself from defenders.
His impressive performances at Folsom made him a sought-after recruit, with several programs vying for his commitment.
Ultimately, Badger chose Arizona State University, where he saw the opportunity to develop under head coach Herm Edwards.
His commitment in 2020 was a significant gain for the Sun Devils, who were assembling a strong recruiting class at the time.
Elijhah Badger: Career
Emerging in the Desert: Arizona State University (2020–2023)
Badger’s freshman season at ASU was during the COVID-affected 2020 campaign, a year that disrupted college football schedules and routines.2
However, over the next three seasons, Badger steadily climbed the depth chart and emerged as a key contributor.
His breakout came in 2022 when he posted strong numbers and earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors.
Across four seasons with Arizona State, Badger played in 35 games and totaled 142 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His ability to stretch the field vertically and make contested catches turned him into a reliable target for the Sun Devils’ quarterbacks. He was particularly known for his yards-after-catch ability and crisp route running.
Back-to-Back Honors: Consistency in Performance
What separated Badger from many of his peers was his consistency. He was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention twice, in both 2022 and 2023, a testament to his steady production.
While other receivers often had rollercoaster seasons, Badger was dependable. He provided his team with a go-to option in clutch situations and was often tasked with facing the opposing team’s top defensive backs.
The fact that he achieved these honors while Arizona State went through transitions at quarterback and coaching changes highlights his professionalism and ability to adapt.
A Bold Move: Transferring to Florida
After the 2023 season, Badger made the decision to enter the transfer portal. He ultimately landed at the University of Florida, where he joined the Gators for his senior season in 2024.
The move from the Pac-12 to the SEC was a major step up in competition, but it also offered Badger a bigger stage to showcase his talents ahead of the NFL Draft.
His decision proved fruitful. In just one season with Florida, he led the team in receiving yards, finishing the year with 806 yards on 39 catches.
Even more impressive was his 20.7 yards-per-catch average, which ranked fifth in the entire FBS. That kind of explosive production is rare and caught the attention of scouts across the NFL.
Making Every Catch Count: Efficiency at Florida
One of the most impressive aspects of Badger’s 2024 season with the Gators was his efficiency. With only 39 receptions, he surpassed the 800-yard mark—a feat many top receivers don’t achieve even with more touches.
His knack for turning catches into big plays made him a constant deep threat and forced opposing defenses to account for his presence on every snap.
This efficiency also points to his improved route running and understanding of how to exploit defensive schemes.
Whether it was on slant routes, go routes, or deep posts, Badger found ways to get open and make a difference.
Elijhah Badger: Statistical Legacy
Career Numbers That Stand Out
When the final whistle blew on his college career, Elijhah Badger’s numbers were eye-catching.3
Across five seasons split between Arizona State and Florida, he recorded:
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181 receptions
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2,446 receiving yards
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14 touchdowns
These numbers reflect not just longevity, but progression. Every season, Badger improved. Every year, he added new dimensions to his game.
And most importantly, he consistently produced regardless of the system, quarterback, or conference.
Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft
On December 25, 2024, Badger officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft through a post on his Instagram account (@ekb.p). His announcement was met with excitement from fans and analysts who had followed his college career closely.
Badger’s draft profile described him as a high-upside prospect with deep threat potential and elite ball-tracking skills.
His route tree expanded significantly during his time in Florida, and he showed he could produce in the SEC—widely considered the most competitive conference in college football.
NFL Scouting Combine: Next Gen Stats Analysis
- At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Badger had the chance to showcase his athletic abilities in front of scouts from all 32 teams.
- According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he received a composite score of 73, ranking him 20th among wide receivers at the event.
- While not the highest score at the combine, the ranking still positioned him as a solid mid-round pick with plenty of upside.
- His explosiveness, measured in drills like the vertical jump and 40-yard dash, combined with his game tape, made a compelling case for teams in need of a vertical threat.
- Badger’s best fit in the NFL might be as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver early in his career—someone who can stretch the field and open up space underneath for teammates.
- He may also contribute on special teams early on, particularly as a gunner or kick returner, given his speed and field vision.
- With coaching and experience, Badger has the ceiling of a reliable starter, especially if he lands in a system that values vertical passing and gives him opportunities to win on the outside.
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Elijhah Badger’s NIL Evolution
Building His Brand Beyond the Field
In the evolving world of college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities have opened the door for athletes to monetize their personal brands while still in school.
One athlete making smart moves in this space is Elijhah Badger, a standout football player for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Known for his explosive plays on the field, Badger has steadily built a reputation off the field as well — becoming a recognizable figure in the NIL landscape.
Before diving into the details of his NIL deals, it’s important to understand Badger’s journey. A highly touted recruit out of Folsom High School in California, Badger chose Arizona State for its competitive football program and strong development system.
Over the years, he has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the Pac-12, showcasing exceptional speed, route running, and hands. His performance has not only gained him national attention but also made him a valuable asset for brands looking to connect with college sports fans.
The Role of the Sun Angel Collective
One of the key players in Elijhah Badger’s NIL journey has been the Sun Angel Collective — the official NIL collective supporting Arizona State athletics.
These collectives serve as a bridge between athletes and businesses, making it easier for both parties to connect and enter into agreements that are compliant with NCAA rules.
In August 2023, the Sun Angel Collective facilitated Badger’s partnership with NIL Pro Shop, a platform that specializes in merchandising and athlete branding.
This marked one of his earliest deals and helped establish him as a rising star not only on the field but in the NIL marketplace.
Elijhah Badger: Timeline of Key Deals
For a clearer picture of Badger’s NIL progress, here’s a table summarizing the major deals he’s signed:
| Date | NIL Deal |
|---|---|
| 7/10/24 | Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida |
| 6/28/24 | Balance 180 Gym |
| 8/16/23 | NIL Pro Shop |
These deals reflect a strategic and values-driven approach, combining personal branding, community service, and commercial partnerships.
Strategic Choices: Why These Deals Matter
What sets Badger’s NIL journey apart is the strategic nature of his choices. Rather than chasing every opportunity for a quick payday, Badger has been selective.
He’s chosen partners that align with his identity, goals, and values. This approach is likely to serve him well long-term, particularly as he eyes a potential professional football career after college.
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NIL Education and Representation
Behind every successful NIL athlete is a strong support system. For Badger, this includes guidance from the Sun Angel Collective and likely legal and marketing advisors who help him navigate contracts, compliance, and branding decisions.
With the NIL landscape still relatively new and evolving, having this kind of professional support is critical to avoid pitfalls and maximize earnings.
Elijhah Badger’s story is part of a broader shift in college sports. NIL rights have empowered athletes to think like entrepreneurs, manage their personal brands, and create income opportunities that were previously unavailable.
These deals can fund educational pursuits, support families, or even kickstart post-collegiate ventures.
Badger’s NIL journey serves as a case study in how student-athletes can approach this new frontier with thoughtfulness, ambition, and community spirit.
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