Yes, but not as employees and not in a salary. Athletes on scholarship receive an education package worth tens of thousands of dollars, and since 2021 they can sign name, image, and likeness agreements with outside brands. Since July 2025, opted-in Division I schools can also share revenue directly with their rosters.
What none of them receive is a paycheck for playing games. That distinction matters, and it is closely related to how college athletes get paid across every NCAA sport.