If you were watching the 2025 NCAA Tournament, you probably saw a guy who wasn’t wearing a jersey but somehow had more "aura" than half the starting lineup. That was Amir Khan, the McNeese State student manager who basically broke the internet and the traditional business model of college sports all at once.
He didn't score a single point. He didn't grab a rebound. Yet, by the time the Cowboys were dancing in March, Amir Khan was a household name with a bank account to match.
Who Exactly is Amir Khan?
Let’s get the record straight because people keep searching for his stats like he’s a shooting guard. He’s not. Amir "Aura" Khan is a senior from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who serves as a student manager for the McNeese State men’s basketball team.
He grew up a die-hard LSU fan, specifically a fan of coach Will Wade. When Wade took the job at McNeese, Amir knew he had to be part of it. He started as a volunteer, showing up at the gym as early as 5:30 a.m. to wipe up sweat and rebound for players.
His official team bio even has a legendary quote that went viral on its own:
"If they kept manager stats for rebounding and wiping up wet spots on the court, I'd put up Wilt Chamberlain numbers."
That’s the kind of confidence that started this whole thing. Honestly, it's just refreshing to see someone embrace a "behind-the-scenes" role with that much energy.
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The Boombox and the Viral Moment
Everything changed in February 2025 during a tunnel walk before a game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Amir’s job was to carry the team’s Bluetooth boombox. Usually, he just walks and keeps the music playing. But that day, the speakers were blasting "In & Out" by Lud Foe—one of his favorite tracks. He started rapping word-for-word, the players started hyping him up, and a videographer caught it all on camera.
The video exploded. Millions of views. Thousands of shares. Suddenly, the "manager with the boombox" was the face of the Cowboys' program.
Why It Mattered
It wasn't just a funny video. It was a vibe.
In a world where college sports feels increasingly corporate and stressful, Amir represented the pure, unadulterated fun of the game. He became a symbol for every student manager in the country who does the dirty work without the glory.
But then, the money started coming.
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Breaking the NIL Barrier
This is where the story gets historically significant. Amir Khan became the first student manager to sign a major NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal.
We’re not talking about a free pizza once a week. We’re talking about real, global brands.
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- TickPick
- Insomnia Cookies
- TurboTax
- Under Armour
By the time McNeese pulled off their upset win over Clemson in the Round of 64, reports were circulating that Amir had 12 different NIL deals worth well over six figures. Under Armour even flew a custom-made jumpsuit out to him in Providence just so he’d have fresh gear for the tournament.
Think about that for a second. A guy whose primary job is doing laundry and keeping the clock during practice was making more money than some professional athletes. It’s wild.
The Move to NC State and Back Again
When the 2025 season ended, things got a bit complicated. Will Wade took the head coaching job at North Carolina State, and Amir followed him to Raleigh as a graduate assistant.
He was spotted leading the Wolfpack out of the tunnel in their season opener on November 3, 2025. It seemed like the "Aura" was moving to the ACC for good.
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But college sports is weird.
By late November 2025, Amir was back in Lake Charles. Rumors started flying—people thought there was a money dispute or a blowout with the coaching staff. Amir eventually had to shut it down. He clarified that it wasn't about the money at all. He just wanted to be back home at McNeese State.
He rejoined the Cowboys’ staff in December 2025 and is currently back on the bench where it all started.
What This Means for You
If you’re a student, an athlete, or just someone trying to make a name for yourself, the Amir Khan story is a blueprint.
- Own your role. Amir didn't try to be a player; he tried to be the best manager possible.
- Authenticity wins. He wasn't trying to go viral; he was just rapping to a song he liked.
- NIL isn't just for stars. If you have a brand and an audience, the market will find you.
The "Amir Khan effect" has changed how schools view their support staff. Don't be surprised if you see more managers getting their own merch and social media segments in the coming seasons.
Amir is currently finishing his degree in sports management at McNeese. His ultimate goal? Becoming a coach. Given that he already knows how to manage a locker room—and a multi-thousand dollar brand—he’s probably going to be a lock for a spot on someone’s bench very soon.
Keep an eye on the McNeese sidelines this season. The boombox is still there, the aura is still high, and the most famous manager in the country is exactly where he wants to be.
Actionable Insight: If you're a student looking to get into sports management, don't just look for an internship. Focus on building a personal brand through social media while you do the grunt work. Amir Khan proved that "servant leadership" can be marketable if you bring enough personality to the table. Check your local university's athletic department for "student manager" openings—it might be the most lucrative job on campus you haven't considered yet.