Sam Hurley isn’t just another NCAA athlete. He’s one of the most recognizable and compelling collegiate pole vaulters and high jumpers, largely thanks to his massive multimillion-strong social media following. With an NCAA résumé that already includes a USTFCCA All-American honor, Hurley has built a reputation as a rising contender with the potential to challenge the sport’s top names. His spotlight only intensified when he transferred from the University of Texas to Texas Tech University in August 2025. But not everyone supported the 22-year-old’s decision.

Hurley opened up about this new chapter in his career in a recent exclusive interview with EssentiallySports’ Andrew Whitelaw. Reflecting on the biggest moment of his athletic journey so far, Hurley said, “It was a big deal to transfer.” He made the move after placing full trust in Texas Tech’s program and the community backing its athletes. But Whitelaw raised a tough point. He mentioned seeing comments suggesting Hurley switched schools for money. It was time for the athlete and influencer to address those claims. So how does he handle them?

Hurley brushed them off as nothing more than background chatter. He said, “It’s just noise. I mean, you know, cheering and hate, it’s just Marcus says, ‘it’s a clapping of the tongue and clapping of the hands.’ It’s nothing, you know.” Yet even this “noise” hinted at the scale of his growing popularity. With more than four million followers across platforms, he views the attention as a sign of engagement. Hurley added, “So, I think that it’s cool that people are interested enough to comment on it, and that’s awesome.”

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman, UT s Sam Hurley during the men s high jump on day one of Texas Relays Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Mike A. Meyers Stadium in Austin. Texas Relays Bsa 016, 23.03.2022 16:55:02, 17954774, USATNSYNDICATION, Austin, Sports PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBRIANAxSANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMANx 17954774

However, attention comes with its own challenges—a reality Hurley understands well. He continued, “But at the same time, it’s a distraction. And I’m here for a goal. I’m here for a purpose. And that’s what I’m going to do.”

From there, the conversation shifted to the evolving NIL landscape. Since 2021, the NIL market for college athletes has surged. According to an Opendorse report, the total projected NIL market jumped from $917 million in 2021–22 to $1.67 billion in 2024–25. But where do track and field athletes fit in?

Sam Hurley addresses the current NIL landscape for track and field athletes

Whitelaw noted that football and basketball players still dominate NIL earnings, leaving other sports far behind. Curious about track and field’s standing, he asked Hurley for his take. Hurley responded, “I would say things are better. Yeah… Definitely. I mean, it’s still a football, basketball-heavy market in NIL. I mean, that’s what brings the money into these universities. So, it’s hard to argue that. But, I would say that track and field is getting more notice, getting more publicity, and getting, definitely, more of what we deserve.”

Despite progress, the gap remains significant. One study found that average NIL earnings for athletes across P4 conferences sit around $43,000, while non-football and FCS athletes average just $21,000—proof that football and basketball still command the top tiers. Reflecting on this disparity, Hurley said, “But we’re not there, you know. Nowhere close. But I would say we’re going in the right direction. I think there are a few people that are really helping with that. But we’re not quite there, yet.”

As track and field continues to gain momentum, Hurley’s rapid rise paints an optimistic picture for the sport and the next generation of collegiate stars. But what do you think of his move to Texas Tech?