Youngstown State University student-athletes have earned more than $500,000 in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, since Jan. 1, according to the university's athletic department.

Overall, student-athletes from 16 different sports programs have disclosed at least one NIL deal in that timeframe.

The top three individual student-athletes in Horizon League NIL deals are YSU student-athletes.

The school has been recognized by the Horizon League and Opendorse, an athlete endorsement market place, as the top earning school in the league.

Ron Strollo, the executive director of intercollegiate athletics, said NIL deals have played a key role in the Penguin's recent success.

"This has been an exciting opportunity for our student-athletes," Strollo said. "NIL has become a huge part of collegiate athletics, and I'm glad our community, Opendorse, and The Penguin Collective have been able to work with our student-athletes to enhance these opportunities."