Nike Partners With 16 Top University of Texas Athletes Through New Blue Ribbon Elite NIL Program

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Nike Partners With 16 Top University of Texas Athletes Through New Blue Ribbon Elite NIL Program

• March 13, 2026
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What to know

• Nike and the University of Texas are deepening their 26-year partnership by announcing the addition of 16 top Longhorns athletes to Nike's new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.
• Blue Ribbon Elite, launched in 2025, reimagines the NIL space by providing leading athletes and universities an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity.
• This industry-leading NIL approach reflects Nike's five-decade history as the brand of athletes and underscores its commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation through partnerships, innovation and storytelling that expand sport around the world.
  

Nike and the University of Texas are announcing the addition of 16 top Longhorns athletes to Nike's new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, empowering a new generation while expanding one of the most iconic partnerships in college sport.

Blue Ribbon Elite, a first-of-its-kind initiative, represents a broad portfolio of athletes across disciplines, reimagining the NIL space by providing leading athletes and universities an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity.

The announcement deepens a 26-year partnership between Nike, a brand born from college sport and built to empower the next generation, and the University of Texas, an enduring athletic powerhouse at the cutting edge of college sport.

"This is such a unique, innovative and awesome opportunity for our student-athletes to collaborate with Nike in their Blue Ribbon Elite program," says Chris Del Conte, VP, Lois and Richard Folger Family Athletics Director, University of Texas. "We're beyond grateful to Nike for extending this to us and for our longstanding relationship with them."

Joining Nike's growing roster of roughly 60 elite NIL athletes are:

• Reese Atwood (softball)
• Dia Bell (football)
• Cam Coleman (football)
• Teagan Kavan (softball)
• Hubert Kós (swimming)
• Ava McDonald (soccer)
• Tommy Morrison (golf)
• Eva Okaro (swimming)
• Farah O'Keefe (golf)
• Aiden Robbins (baseball)
• Colin Simmons (football)
• Cari Spears (volleyball)
• Torrey Stafford (volleyball)
• Dylan Volantis (baseball)
• Jonah Williams (baseball and football)
• Ryan Wingo (football)

What they're saying:

• Teagan Kavan: "Nike is the pinnacle brand in sport, and representing them is a dream come true. It reinforces that I am capable, resilient and committed to getting better every day."
• Eva Okaro: "The values I share with Nike are rooted in authenticity and purpose. Nike encourages athletes to be fearless in pursuing their goals and to trust their own path, which strongly resonates with my journey through setbacks and growth. I also connect deeply with Nike's commitment to individuality and self-expression. Being confident in who I am, representing where I come from, and using my platform to inspire others are values that matter deeply to me."
• Dylan Volantis: "It's an incredible honor to join Nike's Blue Ribbon Elite program, and I couldn't be more grateful. I've been a Nike fan since I was a kid and have always worn the brand. Being able to call myself a Nike athlete is truly special for me and my family."
• Ryan Wingo: "I've always been a big sports fan, and growing up watching college, professional and Olympic athletes, Nike was a brand worn by so many great athletes I looked up to. It's really an honor and means a lot to represent a brand I grew up watching my favorite players wear. It's inspiring to represent the best. Playing for Texas and being a Nike Blue Ribbon Elite athlete, that's a big motivation to chase greatness."

The Blue Ribbon Elite program, named after Nike's humble beginnings, reflects the brand's long-held, leading position in sport, college and NIL partnership, as well as an enduring commitment to making athletes better - from pioneering the first truly comprehensive "all-sports" partnership in the 1980s to today's creative, career-building collaborations with top NIL athletes.

Nike's partnership with each Blue Ribbon Elite athlete goes beyond brand representation, inspiring the student body and community to collaborate through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction.

In short: When programs and athletes sign with Nike, they don't just rep the Swoosh - they help shape it.

Nike's commitment to listening to the voices of its NIL athletes takes shape in individual, personalized support, both in their performance and training and in their most important moments away from the game. From product and styling to support with media and content, Nike leverages the full weight of the brand to provide a best-in-class partnership to athletes across its NIL roster - giving them tools for long-term success across sport, business and culture.

Nike's NIL partnerships also extend to athlete-centered design and innovation, as well as support for athletes in their pursuit to stand for something bigger. This industry-leading approach reflects Nike's five-decade history as the brand of athletes and underscores its continued commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation.

"Blue Ribbon Elite brings athletes, schools and Nike together through a partnership rooted in sport, collaboration and athlete voice," says Ann Miller, EVP, Global Sports Marketing. "By inviting these athletes into the conversation in meaningful ways, the program helps shape the future of college sport and culture. We're deeply proud to partner with the University of Texas, an iconic institution whose legacy and leadership align naturally with an athlete-centered model that reflects where Nike and college athletics are headed."