Wayne High School’s five-star wide receiver, Jamier Brown, is right in the middle of a lawsuit that could seriously shake up high school athletics in Ohio. The case is all about whether high school athletes should be allowed to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Even though Brown is one of the top football prospects for 2027, he and other Ohio athletes aren’t allowed to make money from their NIL right now. That’s because of the current rules set by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).
Brown’s mom, Jasmine, is leading the charge in this lawsuit. She argues the rules are outdated and, frankly, unfair.
The case is getting a lot of attention, and not just because Brown’s On3 NIL Valuation is $300,000. He’s already committed to Ohio State, which only adds to the buzz.
The Current State of NIL in Ohio
Ohio is still one of the few states that keeps high school athletes from cashing in on their NIL. Back in May 2022, OHSAA member schools voted—nearly 70 percent against—giving athletes those rights.
Since then, there hasn’t been much movement. Athletes like Jamier Brown are left watching others in different states benefit, while they’re stuck on the sidelines.
Tim Stried, OHSAA’s director of communications, says they’re watching how NIL is changing elsewhere. He mentioned the board might put some version of NIL on a future ballot, but honestly, nothing’s happened yet.
Implications for High School Athletes
This lawsuit shines a light on just how much NIL could mean for high school athletes. Brown’s potential earnings are estimated at over $100,000—a life-changing amount for his family and his future.
Jamier’s made it clear he wants to use that money to support his family and invest in more academic and football training. That kind of opportunity could make a real difference.
*I’m being raised by an amazing single mom who’s always doing her best to keep things steady while helping me chase my goals on and off the field,* Brown said. *Like what’s allowed in other states, I want to be able to use my name, image, and likeness to help my family financially and get the extra after-school academic help and football training that can help me maximize my potential.*
Jamier Brown: A Rising Star
Jamier Brown’s talent isn’t up for debate. He’s the No. 10 overall prospect and the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 cycle according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Last season, he pulled in 63 catches for 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns over 14 games with the Wayne Warriors. On top of that, he’s one of Ohio’s top sprinters. Not bad, right?
Even with NIL restrictions, Brown’s not looking to leave Ohio for greener pastures. He’s committed to Ohio State, making it clear he wants to stick close to home.
But these rules are holding him back from making the most of his talents, at least financially.
The Legal Battle Ahead
Jasmine Brown’s lawsuit isn’t just about her son—it’s about changing things for all high school athletes in Ohio. The argument is that OHSAA’s rules are behind the times and limit athletes’ rights to profit from their NIL, something kids in other states can already do.
*I want to use my platform to make a difference for athletes across the state,* Brown said. *We’ll see what happens next, but I want to thank those that are standing with me during this process.*
The Future of NIL in High School Sports
Depending on how this lawsuit shakes out, the impact could stretch well beyond Ohio. If Jamier Brown wins, OHSAA might have to change its NIL policies to match what’s happening in other states.
That could finally open up financial opportunities for Ohio’s high school athletes. And if it happens, maybe other states will start rethinking their own rules too.
Conclusion
Jamier Brown’s lawsuit against the OHSAA is stirring up the NIL debate for high school athletes. As one of the top football prospects in the 2027 cycle, Brown’s case really shines a light on the huge financial possibilities NIL can bring.
Whatever happens here could shape Brown’s future and possibly set a new standard for other high school athletes in Ohio—or even beyond.
If you’re curious about the details, check out the full article on On3.
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