The University of South Carolina has officially made the jump from Under Armour to Nike as their athletic apparel supplier. That ends a 19-year run with Under Armour and kicks off a whole new era for the Gamecocks.
Some athletes are already seeing the benefits, thanks to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite program. This initiative is trying to shake up the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) scene by offering new ways for athletes and schools to collaborate.
Leading the charge are women’s basketball stars Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards. Football players LaNorris Sellers, Nyck Harbor, and Dylan Stewart have also signed on with NIL deals through this new program.
The Nike Partnership: A New Chapter for South Carolina Athletics
Starting July 1, 2026, South Carolina is in a 10-year deal with Nike, officially closing the book on their Under Armour chapter. The idea is to tap into Nike’s massive brand power and fresh approach to sports marketing, giving both the university and its athletes a boost.
Athletic director Jeremiah Donati says the Blue Ribbon Elite program is all about helping student-athletes build and grow their personal brands. It’s a big step, and you can feel the excitement around the program.
What is the Blue Ribbon Elite Program?
So, what’s the Blue Ribbon Elite program? It’s Nike’s latest effort to work with a wide range of athletes from different sports. The focus is on collaboration and giving athletes a bigger voice in shaping their own future.
It’s meant to help athletes maximize their opportunities, not just in college, but well beyond. The NIL landscape is changing fast, and this program seems to be right at the center of it.
Meet the Inaugural Blue Ribbon Elite Athletes
Five South Carolina athletes are part of the very first Blue Ribbon Elite class. It’s a pretty impressive group:
- Chloe Kitts – A 6-2 forward for the women’s basketball team, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in 2024-25.
- Joyce Edwards – A 6-3 forward who led the team in scoring the last two seasons, with 19.2 points as a sophomore.
- LaNorris Sellers – Quarterback for the football team.
- Nyck Harbor – Wide receiver.
- Dylan Stewart – Edge rusher with a knack for defense.
Chloe Kitts: Overcoming Adversity
Kitts tore her ACL in October 2025, which was a tough break. Still, she’s fired up about being one of South Carolina’s first Nike Blue Ribbon Elite athletes.
Even with the injury, she’s staying positive and sees this partnership as a big chance for growth. Kitts says being a Gamecock has opened doors for amazing partnerships, and she’s genuinely excited to team up with Nike—a brand that’s basically synonymous with basketball.
Joyce Edwards: A Rising Star
Edwards has been a standout under coach Dawn Staley, leading the team in scoring two years running. She feels like Nike’s *Just Do It* motto fits her style perfectly.
She’s looking forward to taking her game and her personal brand to the next level, both on and off the court. You can tell she’s got big plans for the future.
Dawn Staley and Nike: A Longstanding Relationship
Coach Dawn Staley has been with Nike for most of her career. She’s even got her own signature shoe, the *Nike Zoom S5*.
With this new Nike deal, her team will be lacing up A’ja Wilson’s A’Two basketball shoes, plus other gear. It’s a move that could give the team a real boost, and honestly, who doesn’t want to play for a coach with her own shoe?
Jerzy Robinson: A Freshman’s Journey
Freshman guard Jerzy Robinson signed her own NIL deal with Nike back in 2024—while still in high school. Now, she gets to enjoy the full benefits of the partnership as a college athlete.
Her early start with Nike definitely sets the stage for a strong college career. It’s a great platform for her to shine, both on the court and in the classroom.
A’ja Wilson: A Legacy Continues
Former Gamecock A’ja Wilson dropped her own Nike signature shoe and clothing line in May 2025. She’s still making an impact on the program.
The team now gets her A’Two basketball shoes as part of their gear, which just cements her legacy and the Gamecocks’ connection with Nike. It’s cool to see that kind of tradition carry on.
The Broader Impact of the Nike Partnership
Nike’s Executive Vice President of Global Sports Marketing, Ann Miller, says they’re proud to welcome South Carolina to the Nike Blue Ribbon Elite family. She points out that South Carolina’s athletic culture deserves a partner that can match its ambition.
This partnership is expected to raise the bar for the university’s athletic programs. The hope is that athletes will have what they need to reach their full potential—and maybe even surprise themselves along the way.
Conclusion
The University of South Carolina’s switch to Nike is a pretty big deal for the school’s athletics. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little excited about the changes coming their way.
The Blue Ribbon Elite program is rolling out, and it’s not just another sponsorship—it gives athletes a real shot at building their own brands. There’s a sense that this could open up new doors for a lot of talented people on campus.
Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards are two names that keep popping up. With them leading the charge, and Nike in their corner, it’s tough not to wonder just how far Gamecock athletics might go.
For more details, you can check out the full article on the Greenville News.
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