There’s a major shakeup brewing in Ohio high school sports. A lawsuit against the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) could finally open the door for high school athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Jamier Brown, the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2027 class, just kicked off this legal battle in Franklin County. He’s hoping to overturn Ohio’s ban on NIL compensation for high school athletes.
It’s a move that could totally change the game for high school sports in Ohio—and maybe even beyond.
The Lawsuit: A Push for Change
Brown, a standout junior at Wayne High School in Huber Heights and a verbal Ohio State commit, is taking on the OHSAA’s blanket NIL ban. His complaint says the prohibition unfairly singles out Ohio’s athletes and stifles their economic freedom and free speech.
According to Greater Western Ohio Conference stats, Brown’s put up 41 receptions, 590 yards, and six touchdowns this season. The guy’s potential earnings are estimated at over $100,000 a year—pretty wild for a high schooler.
Economic and Personal Impact
For Brown, this isn’t just about making a point. He’s got real reasons for wanting NIL rights.
Right now, the ban keeps him from earning money that could help pay for tutoring, training, and travel. Those are big deals for a student-athlete trying to make it.
His situation really shows how NIL compensation could ease the financial strain on young athletes and their families.
OHSAA’s Stance and Potential Emergency Vote
The OHSAA’s seen this coming for a while. Even though member schools shot down an NIL proposal back in May 2022, the issue’s only picked up steam.
At recent meetings, school administrators heard that a new NIL proposal might be on the horizon. In September, the OHSAA Board of Directors approved language for NIL to be considered in the 2026 annual referendum process.
But with this lawsuit, things could move a lot faster. OHSAA bylaw 8-1-1 could trigger an emergency vote, speeding up the whole process.
Emergency Referendum Vote
If there’s an emergency referendum, it could happen within 10 days. That means a new bylaw allowing NIL activities could be adopted almost overnight.
If it passes, student-athletes could finally sign deals for things like appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements, and branding—basically cashing in on their own recognition. The OHSAA says the proposed bylaw would include guardrails so students don’t lose their eligibility as amateurs.
Broader Implications and National Context
Ohio’s one of just six states that still ban NIL compensation for high school athletes. The others? Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming.
Meanwhile, 44 states and D.C. already allow NIL in some form. The trend is clear: more states are recognizing and compensating athletes for their marketability. This lawsuit could push even more states to rethink their bans.
National Participation Rates
Ohio actually has the third-highest high school sports participation in the country, behind only Texas and California. That’s according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
With 815 member schools in the OHSAA for the 2025-2026 school year, a shift on NIL could open up new opportunities and support for a lot of student-athletes. That’s a big deal, no matter how you look at it.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for High School Sports
The lawsuit filed by Jamier Brown feels like a big moment in the ongoing fight over NIL compensation for high school athletes. With legal proceedings moving ahead, there’s talk of an emergency referendum vote that could change things fast.
If that happens, high school athletes in Ohio might finally get to benefit from their name, image, and likeness. It’s not just about Brown—this whole case shines a light on the personal and financial stakes for young athletes everywhere.
Honestly, if this lawsuit succeeds, it could set a new standard and push other states to rethink their policies. Maybe we’re seeing the start of a real shift in how high school sports are run, and who gets a piece of the pie.
For more details, check out the original article.
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