Overview
- Ten LSU athletes form the inaugural Blue Ribbon Elite class across football, basketball, baseball, softball, gymnastics and volleyball, including ZaKiyah Johnson, Dedan Thomas Jr., Trey'Dez Green and DJ Pickett.
- Reporting on the current contract outlines $4.75 million in product for next fiscal year and $1 million in cash to LSU, with an option to convert cash to additional product.
- Nike says Blue Ribbon Elite pairs university deals with direct athlete partnerships to shape marketing, innovation and storytelling on campus.
- The additions bring Nike’s NIL roster to nearly 50 athletes, reflecting a broader push to deepen college athlete relationships after the 2021 NIL rule changes.
- LSU athletics director Verge Ausberry calls the university the program’s launchpad, highlighting expanded NIL opportunities for student-athletes and future campus expansion plans from Nike.