In a landmark decision, an Ohio court has shaken up the rules around name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for high school athletes. On October 18, 2025, a Franklin County judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), stopping it from enforcing its ban on high school athletes making money from their NIL.
This ruling came after a lawsuit from high school football standout Jamier Brown. It puts Ohio in line with 44 other states that already let high school athletes take advantage of NIL opportunities.
The case, called Brown v. OHSAA, is just the latest sign of a bigger shift toward expanding NIL rights for all amateur athletes. Things are changing fast, and honestly, it feels overdue.
The Case of Jamier Brown
Jamier Brown is a top wide receiver prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, already committed to Ohio State. Since he’s still a minor, his mother filed the lawsuit on his behalf, arguing that the OHSAA’s NIL ban had cost him more than $100,000 in potential deals.
The lawsuit leans on antitrust and state law claims, saying the OHSAA’s rule unfairly blocks athletes from participating in a legitimate market for their own publicity rights. It’s a bold move, but it’s hard to ignore the logic.
Temporary Restraining Order
The court’s decision to grant a TRO is a big deal, though it’s not the final word. The judge said Brown had a strong chance of winning on the main points, which was enough to temporarily stop the OHSAA from enforcing its NIL ban.
This means Brown and other high school athletes in Ohio can now sign NIL deals without risking their eligibility. For many, it’s a long-awaited chance.
Impact on Ohio High School Athletics
The TRO instantly changes things for Ohio high school athletes. With the ban on hold, these athletes can finally cash in on their NIL, just like their peers in most other states.
It’s a big opportunity, and it might nudge other states with similar bans to rethink their stance. There’s a sense that the dominoes are starting to fall.
National Trend Toward NIL Rights
Ohio’s ruling fits into a bigger national movement pushing for more NIL rights. After the House v. NCAA settlement reshaped college sports, more states started letting high school athletes profit from their NIL.
The NCAA’s old amateurism model is fading, replaced by new ways for athletes to earn money. Ohio’s move to lift its NIL ban, even temporarily, is another step in this ongoing shift.
Legal and Policy Implications
This case really highlights the tug-of-war between keeping amateur sports “pure” and following modern antitrust rules. Courts have been skeptical of rules that ban athlete compensation, especially if those rules don’t have a solid reason behind them.
State athletic associations aren’t the same as the NCAA, but both set rules that shape athletes’ lives and businesses looking for endorsements. The ripple effects are real.
Challenges for State Athletic Associations
For groups like the OHSAA, the Ohio decision is a real headache. The OHSAA says its NIL ban is meant to keep competition fair and avoid shady recruiting tactics.
But the court seems unconvinced that these reasons are strong enough to justify the ban. The next step is a hearing on a permanent injunction, where the court will decide if the OHSAA’s NIL restrictions break state or federal law.
Future of NIL in High School Sports
No matter how Brown’s case ends, it’s probably going to shape how other states handle their own NIL policies. States like Michigan, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Wyoming—with similar bans—might be the next to face lawsuits.
The trend is clear: NIL rights are expanding, and states holding out may need to rethink things to avoid getting dragged into court.
Compliance and Policy Development
For schools, sponsors, and collectives working in different states, the changing NIL landscape is a real challenge. Each state might see NIL rights differently, and what was once straightforward at the college level is now a moving target in high schools.
It’s likely that athletic associations and schools will have to keep updating their NIL policies to stay on the right side of the law. Nobody wants to be caught flat-footed as the rules keep shifting.
Conclusion
The Ohio court’s decision to issue a TRO against the OHSAA’s NIL ban is a pretty big deal for high school sports. NIL rights aren’t just a college thing anymore—they’re starting to matter everywhere, even at the high school level.
If you want to dig into the details of this case, check out the full article here.
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