Are you curious about rising college football star CJ Donaldson? This article covers everything fans and sports enthusiasts want to know: his net worth in 2025, career earnings, contracts, background, important career stats, and personal details.
CJ Donaldson’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | CJ Donaldson Jr. |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| Age | Around 21 (2025 season) |
| Education | Gulliver Prep (HS), Finance at WVU/Ohio State |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 232 lbs (105 kg) |
| Turned Pro | College Senior |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000 (2025) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Approx. $250,000+ (NIL/college) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
CJ Donaldson grew up in Miami, Florida, where football is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. He attended Gulliver Prep and helped the team reach the 4A state playoffs while collecting individual honors, including Miami Herald All-Dade recognition.
Donaldson wasn’t always pegged as a running back. In high school, he played multiple roles and proved to be a dynamic athlete, catching nearly 100 passes and tallying over 1,400 yards as a junior and senior.
His flexibility and sheer athleticism earned him college offers, ultimately leading to his commitment to West Virginia University.
Professional Career
CJ began his college football career at West Virginia, making an immediate impact. By the end of three seasons (2022-2024), he appeared in 28 games, starting 14 of them. He became one of the program’s most productive young running backs, rushing for nearly 1,700 yards and scoring 23 rushing touchdowns—a stat that continues to grow.
His most productive year came in 2023, where he piled up 798 yards and 11 touchdowns, often carrying the team’s offense in tough matchups.
In December 2024, he entered the transfer portal and joined Ohio State, arriving as a seasoned, versatile back ready to challenge Big Ten defenses.
CJ started the 2025 season as a senior for Ohio State, demonstrating his readiness to contribute at the highest level and raising interest from NFL scouts for his strong, multi-dimensional play.
CJ Donaldson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, CJ Donaldson’s estimated net worth is about $300,000. His income comes primarily from (NIL) deals and college stipends as a student-athlete.
Contract
CJ Donaldson’s “contract” is based on NCAA regulations regarding NIL deals, as college players are not salaried like professionals. At West Virginia and now at Ohio State, he likely benefits from institutional support, personal endorsements, and approved NIL agreements.
According to sources, he may be part of a four-year NIL deal, but the exact figures are private and depend on sponsorships, social media agreements, and local business partnerships.
Salary
While college athletes do not receive a salary in the traditional sense, CJ Donaldson’s yearly earnings are estimated to be in the range of $100,000 to $150,000 for 2025, due to NIL agreements, school stipends, and personal sponsorships. This is typical for high-profile college running backs at top Division I programs today.
Career Earnings
| Year | Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | West Virginia/NIL | $40,000 |
| 2023 | West Virginia/NIL | $75,000 |
| 2024 | West Virginia/NIL | $90,000 |
| 2025 | Ohio State/NIL | $100,000+ |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Avg | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yards | Rec TD | Long Rush |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | West Virginia | 8 | 87 | 526 | 6.0 | 8 | 10 | 45 | 0 | 82 |
| 2023 | West Virginia | 10 | 145 | 798 | 5.5 | 11 | 11 | 80 | 0 | 43 |
| 2024 | West Virginia | 13 | 163 | 734 | 4.5 | 11 | 14 | 104 | 1 | 30 |
| 2025 | Ohio State | 1 | 19 | 67 | 3.5 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
| Career | WVU/OSU | 32 | 414 | 2,125 | 5.1 | 31 | 36 | 238 | 1 | 82 |
FAQs
1. What position does CJ Donaldson play and where is he from?
He plays as a running back for Ohio State Buckeyes and is originally from Miami, Florida. Donaldson transferred from West Virginia after a standout career and built his reputation as a physical runner.
2. What are Donaldson’s most impressive college football statistics?
Donaldson has 2,058 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns across three seasons at West Virginia, with eight games rushing over 100 yards and multiple multi-touchdown performances. He also notched 190 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
3. Why did Donaldson transfer from West Virginia to Ohio State?
Donaldson decided to leave West Virginia due to a coaching change and personal ambition. He wanted to pursue opportunities with a top-tier program and joined Ohio State for his senior year after entering the transfer portal.
4. Who are the key members of Donaldson’s family and how have they supported him?
His mother, Tyneshia Fleming, raised him alongside his brother and sister. Fleming’s steadfast support shaped Donaldson’s resilience and confidence both on and off the field, motivating his pursuit of his football dreams.
5. What awards and honors has CJ Donaldson earned?
Donaldson earned a Doak Walker Award nomination for his outstanding performance as a college running back. He also received Academic All-Big 12 Conference honors and ranked among the top rushers in both the Big 12 and nationally during his time at WVU.
