LSU just dropped some big news: they’ve locked in a long-term contract extension with Nike, keeping their partnership running strong through 2036. This isn’t just a renewal—it marks a five-decade relationship and kicks off something new: LSU will be the first to roll out Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.
The goal? Give LSU athletes better chances than ever to build their personal brands and make the most of NIL opportunities. The timing’s interesting too, as LSU’s athletic department is riding high after some big wins across multiple sports.
Oh, and there’s a new face leading football: Lane Kiffin. His arrival could mean big changes for the Tigers.
LSU and Nike: A Historic Partnership
LSU and Nike go way back—fifty years, in fact. This new extension through 2036 means that legacy keeps going, with both sides expecting plenty of benefits.
LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry talked up the deal, saying it’s all about shared goals and pushing for innovation. You can tell they’re excited to keep building on what they’ve started.
Innovative NIL Program
Probably the most buzzworthy part of the deal is bringing Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program to LSU. It’s meant to help student-athletes cash in on their personal brands in ways that just weren’t possible before.
LSU’s the first school to try this, so they’re setting the pace for everyone else. The program fits right in with LSU’s forward-thinking approach to NIL, giving athletes real tools to succeed—on the field and beyond.
Star Athletes Joining Nike’s Roster
With the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program in play, a group of LSU athletes will officially join Nike’s roster. They’re not all from the same sport, either, which says a lot about the talent LSU’s got across the board.
Here’s a quick look at the Tigers stepping into the Nike spotlight:
- 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
Success Across Sports
The timing of this new partnership comes as LSU athletics is on a serious roll. The women’s basketball team has hit the Elite Eight three years running, even grabbing a national title in 2023.
The baseball team? Dominant, with College World Series wins in both 2023 and 2025. And don’t forget gymnastics—they took home a national championship in 2024.
Lane Kiffin: The New Era of LSU Football
LSU’s biggest recent headline has to be hiring Lane Kiffin as head football coach. The program’s been struggling to hit its own high standards lately, so bringing in Kiffin is a bold move.
LSU football has a wild history. The three coaches before Brian Kelly—Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron—all won national titles. Now, fans are hoping Kiffin’s the guy to bring back that kind of magic.
Kiffin’s Track Record
Lane Kiffin isn’t new to the spotlight. He just led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff, which is no small feat.
His offensive style and ability to shake things up are a good match for LSU, a program that’s always aiming high. There’s a lot of optimism that Kiffin can return the Tigers to national relevance.
The Future of LSU Athletics
With the Nike partnership locked in and the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program rolling out, LSU athletics is in a strong spot. Nike’s support means athletes get access to top-notch tech, training, and branding opportunities.
It’s hard not to feel like this partnership could push LSU’s programs to new levels, both in performance and in the public eye.
Unparalleled Opportunities for Athletes
The Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program really changes the game for LSU athletes. By teaming up with Nike, the school is giving student-athletes a legit platform to build—and profit from—their own brands.
With NIL becoming a bigger deal every year, LSU’s aggressive approach might just set a new bar for others to chase.
Conclusion
LSU and Nike just extended their partnership. That says a lot about how well they’ve worked together over the years.
The new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program is making waves. LSU’s athletes now have more ways than ever to make the most of their personal brands.
Lane Kiffin is leading the football program. Other LSU sports are seeing real success too.
Honestly, the future for LSU athletics looks bright—maybe even a little bit electric. If you want more details, check out the full article on Bleacher Report.
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