Elijah Haven, No. 1 QB in Class of 2027, Signs Groundbreaking NIL Deal

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Elijah Haven, a rising junior quarterback at The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, is making a name for himself both on and off the field. Ranked by On3 as the No. 1 quarterback and No. 10 overall player in the Class of 2027, Haven has secured a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Matt Bowers Auto Group.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for high school student-athletes, who have been permitted by the LHSAA to receive NIL benefits since April 2022, as they explore new opportunities in the rapidly evolving NIL era.

Haven’s deal follows a strong sophomore campaign in which he led the Tigers to an undefeated regular season and a run to the Division III Select State Championship.

In the state championship game against Catholic-N.I., Haven completed 25 of 37 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 153 yards and two more scores on 32 carries. His 453 total yards set a new class and division record, earning him the title of Most Outstanding Player of the championship game, despite Dunham falling short in a 31-28 loss.

The NIL agreement with Matt Bowers Auto Group adds another milestone to Haven’s rapidly rising profile. Bowers, an Ole Miss alumnus, brings added intrigue to the deal, as Ole Miss and The Grove Collective have achieved significant success in recent seasons, establishing the Rebels as a force in the NIL landscape.

However, Bowers emphasized in a post on X that the partnership is centered around celebrating Haven’s local triumphs. “This is a local thing to promote his accomplishments,” Bowers said, assuring fans that the deal is dedicated to honoring Haven’s accomplishments on the field.

“Elijah is not only an exceptional athlete but also a person who embodies the values of hard work, integrity, and community involvement,” Bowers said in a press release announcing the partnership.

Haven’s NIL deal is a milestone for high school student-athletes, showing the ever-increasing opportunities available to young stars as they balance athletic success with off-the-field branding. With collegiate offers from programs such as Ole Miss, LSU, Michigan, Miami, and Florida in his pocket already, the future is as bright as his present.