Big news for Ohio State football and, honestly, college sports in general—five-star freshman wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. just signed an NIL deal with Nike.
Not only does this say a lot about Henry’s rising profile, but it also shows how Nike is betting big on young talent these days.
He’s not alone, either. A handful of other big-name college football players, including fellow Buckeyes Bo Jackson and Jermaine Mathews Jr., have also joined Nike’s growing NIL roster.
Nike’s New Wave of NIL Deals
Nike recently revealed its latest group of college football athletes joining the NIL program. There are eight standout players from top schools in this batch.
Chris Henry Jr., the much-anticipated freshman wide receiver for Ohio State, is right there among them. He was with Adidas before, but now he’s making the switch to Nike as part of their push to team up with promising football stars.
Here’s the full list of new Nike NIL athletes:
- Trinidad Chambliss, Quarterback, Ole Miss
- Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon
- Cam Coleman, Wide Receiver, Texas
- Colin Simmons, Defensive End, Texas
- Kewan Lacy, Running Back, Ole Miss
- Jared Curtis, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
- Trey’Dez Green, Tight End, LSU
Ohio State’s Strong Presence in Nike’s NIL Program
Chris Henry Jr. isn’t the only Buckeye cashing in with Nike this offseason. Bo Jackson, a sophomore running back, and Jermaine Mathews Jr., a senior cornerback, also signed deals with the Swoosh.
Having three Ohio State players on Nike’s latest NIL list really sends a message about how much the brand values its relationship with the Buckeyes’ program.
Chris Henry Jr.: A Rising Star
Ranked 14th overall in the 2026 recruiting class, Henry’s deal with Nike kind of speaks for itself. It’s a big step, especially moving from Adidas to Nike, and it plants him firmly in the spotlight with one of the most iconic brands in sports.
Bo Jackson and Jermaine Mathews Jr.: Established Talents
Bo Jackson and Jermaine Mathews Jr. have both made waves for Ohio State. Jackson’s only a sophomore, but he’s already made an impact, and Mathews, now a senior, has been a key player for a while.
Their new partnerships with Nike aren’t just about their skills on the field—they’re marketable, recognizable faces in college football.
Nike’s Strategy and High School Prospects
It’s not just college players on Nike’s radar. The company also signed NIL deals with 11 high school football prospects.
None of these high schoolers have picked Ohio State yet, but a few are definitely on the Buckeyes’ wish list. Some names to watch:
- Jermaine Cobbins, Five-star cornerback, 2028
- Madoxx Davis, Five-star wide receiver, 2028
- Gabriel Osborne Jr., Five-star cornerback, 2027 (committed to Oklahoma)
It seems pretty clear Nike wants to build relationships with these athletes early. Maybe that gives them a leg up when these kids start making big decisions about college and beyond.
The Battle for David Gabriel Georges
One of the most-watched recruiting battles for 2027 is five-star running back David Gabriel Georges. Ohio State and Tennessee are both fighting hard for him.
According to Jeremy Birmingham from 97.1 The Fan, Adidas is making a strong NIL push for Georges to pick Tennessee, while Nike is leaning on its ties with Ohio State players instead.
That difference in strategy really shows how competitive and, honestly, unpredictable this NIL landscape is getting.
Ohio State and Nike: A Strong Partnership
Even with all the competition, Ohio State’s connection with Nike looks as solid as ever. Logan Hittle, Ohio State’s senior associate athletic director of NIL, tweeted out *all good over here* right after Nike’s announcement.
That says a lot about the trust and ongoing collaboration between the Buckeyes and Nike—at least for now.
The Future of NIL at Ohio State
As NIL agreements keep changing, Ohio State seems pretty well-positioned thanks to its long-standing relationship with Nike. The fact that players like Chris Henry Jr., Bo Jackson, and Jermaine Mathews Jr. are now part of Nike’s NIL program gives their profiles a real boost.
It also makes the Buckeyes look even more appealing to future recruits. That kind of momentum is hard to ignore.
For more details on Chris Henry Jr.’s NIL deal and other recent developments, you can check out the full article on Eleven Warriors.
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