When legacy meets the next generation, things get interesting.
Nike and LSU just locked in a long-term partnership extension through 2036, marking over 50 years of history between one of sport’s most iconic brands and one of college athletics’ biggest powerhouses. But this isn’t just about jerseys and logos anymore; this is about athletes as creators, collaborators, and cultural forces.
And the timing? Perfect.
More Than a Partnership it’s a Playground for Athletes
Nike was born out of college sport. LSU lives at the heart of it. Together, they’re stepping into a new era where athletes aren’t just sponsored, they’re involved.
This extension isn’t about maintaining the past. It’s about rewriting what NIL can actually mean.
Enter: Nike Blue Ribbon Elite.
Nike Blue Ribbon Elite: NIL, Reimagined
Launching first at LSU, Nike Blue Ribbon Elite is a new athlete-centered NIL program that goes beyond visibility and payouts. Think creative collaboration, brand storytelling, product influence, and long-term career building.
Named after Nike’s humble beginnings, the program reflects where the brand originated and where college sports are headed.
Nike isn’t just choosing the best athletes.
They’re choosing the boldest voices across sports.
Meet the First LSU Blue Ribbon Elite Athletes
Nike’s NIL roster just expanded with 10 standout LSU athletes, spanning multiple disciplines:
- Kailin Chio — Gymnastics
- Derek Curiel — Baseball
- Tori Edwards — Softball
- Casan Evans — Baseball
- Trey’Dez Green — Football
- Jayden Heavener — Softball
- ZaKiyah Johnson — Basketball
- DJ Pickett — Football
- Jurnee Robinson — Volleyball
- Dedan Thomas Jr. — Basketball
Different sports. Different seasons. One Swoosh.
For athletes like volleyball standout Jurnee Robinson, the magic is in the connection: bonding across teams, sports, and schedules, all under the same creative umbrella.
Why This Matters
Nike’s approach to NIL is deeply personal. It’s not just about wearing the brand, it’s about shaping it.
From media support and styling to product innovation and campaign creation, Blue Ribbon Elite athletes are invited into the process. They influence how stories are told, how products are designed, and how sport shows up in culture.
In short:
When you sign with Nike, you don’t just rep the Swoosh, you help define it.
A Bigger Vision for College Sport
Nike has already shown what athlete-first partnerships can look like, from NIL athletes unveiling signature products to community givebacks and culture-driven campaigns that go far beyond the field.
With LSU as the launchpad, Blue Ribbon Elite sets a new standard:
collaborative, creative, and future-focused.
This isn’t about hype.
It’s about giving athletes the tools to build something that lasts, in sport, business, and culture.
And if this is the blueprint?
College athletics is about to look very different.
