SurveyNow
National Athlete App Report
"The 2025 Trust Index – College-Only Edition"
Understanding the Modern College Athlete
Over the past month, we’ve connected with 2,497 NCAA athletes from 120 campuses, and what we found was fascinating. This isn’t just data; it’s a look into the real heart of college athletics in 2025.
What stood out most was how different each athlete’s story is. We spoke with business majors who play on the offensive line, exercise science students setting records on the track, and communications majors leading their volleyball teams. Today’s student-athlete is learning how to balance school, sports, and even entrepreneurship.
Our group included first-year students just starting out and fifth-year veterans who have seen it all. The gender mix was almost perfectly even, with 1,193 men, 1,227 women, and 77 non-binary athletes, showing that college sports truly include everyone.
The campus selection wasn't random. We looked for a mix that represented every level of college athletics, from well-known programs like Notre Dame and Texas to fast-growing schools like Grand Canyon and UC Irvine. Every conference is included, and every region has a voice in the story of where college sports are headed next.
Participant Demographics
Age Distribution
Gender Distribution
Year in School
Top Sports
Top Majors
The Trust Economy: What We Learned
Our data shows something striking: among more than two thousand college athletes surveyed, 1,179 - nearly half named NIL Club as the platform they trust most. That’s not just an interesting data point. It signals a fundamental change in how athletes view their personal brand and earning potential.
But trust doesn’t stand alone. Apps like MyFitnessPal, Calm, and Headspace also ranked near the top, showing that today’s athletes are thinking beyond money. They’re just as focused on their mental and emotional well-being as they are on their financial goals. In short, the modern athlete cares most about three things: health, wealth, and wellness.
The data also highlights some gender differences. Female athletes were 37% more likely than men to trust wellness apps. In comparison, male athletes were 32% more likely to rely on performance and analytics apps. But when it came to NIL platforms, both groups showed the same level of trust. A sign that financial tools are helping all athletes take control of their own stories.
Master Trust Score Rankings
Top 20 most trusted apps among NCAA athletes
Top 20 Apps
Detailed Breakdowns
Trust patterns across demographics
App Trust by Age Group
App Trust by Gender
App Trust by Major
App Trust by Sport
The Road Ahead: What This Data Means
So what do we do with all this information? If you're an app developer, an athletic director, or an athlete trying to navigate this digital landscape, this data is your roadmap. But it's not just about what's popular now - it's about where trust is heading.
First, the NIL revolution is real and accelerating. Nearly half of all athletes trust NIL-related tools, and that percentage will only grow as younger athletes arrive with entrepreneurial mindsets baked in.
For athletes reading this: you're in the driver's seat. Your trust is valuable - don't give it away cheaply. Demand transparency, value, and respect from every app you use.
Thank you for exploring this research with us. We're proud to present the most comprehensive view of athlete app trust ever compiled.