yahoo
Oregon State’s standout quarterback Braden Atkinson and dynamic wide receiver Jesse Legree have been added to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, Nike and Oregon State revealed on Monday. The announcement also included an extension of the longstanding relationship between the two parties.
According to the release, Blue Ribbon Elite encompasses a diverse roster of athletes from various sports, aiming to redefine the NIL landscape by offering top-tier athletes and universities an exceptional level of collaboration that emphasizes the future of sport and athlete identity.
Atkinson and Legree have quickly risen as two of the most prominent breakout stars of the 2026 college football season. Atkinson presently leads the FBS in passing yards (2,977) and passing touchdowns (25), while Legree tops the FBS in receiving yards (1,110) and receiving touchdowns (14).
“The opportunity for Braden and Jesse to be a part of Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program is exceptional and an incredible benefit of our relationship,” said Oregon State Vice President and Director of Athletics Kevin Griffin in the release. “Nike is woven into the fabric of this state, and Oregon State is proud to be a big part of that story. Our shared Oregon roots make this partnership special, and this extension will serve our student-athletes well as our programs continue to strive for success in the Pac-12 and nationwide.”
After a 2-10 season in 2025, Oregon State has defied expectations under first-year head coach JaMarcus Shephard. The Beavers even harbored College Football Playoff hopes after rattling off five consecutive wins following an 0-2 start, but those aspirations were effectively dashed by Fresno State over the weekend.
Key Analysis
The addition of Atkinson and Legree to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program underscores the rising profile of Oregon State’s football program and the increasing importance of NIL partnerships in college athletics. The extension of the Nike-Oregon State relationship further solidifies the university’s standing within the state’s sports landscape and enhances opportunities for student-athletes. Despite the recent setback against Fresno State, the Beavers’ turnaround season has generated momentum that could pay dividends in recruiting and national visibility.
Originally reported by yahoo.