Nike has revealed the eight college football players who will form its 2026 ‘elite eight’ cohort, a group the company says represents the pinnacle of next‑year talent.
The lineup spans quarterbacks, receivers and defensive standouts from programs across the country, each slated to receive a custom NIL agreement that includes signature products, media placements and mentorship.
Among them, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss heads the list after an extra year of eligibility that has kept him in college, while Texas receiver Cam Coleman is expected to become a primary target for Arch Manning.
A new era for college football
Oregon’s Dante Moore, the only athlete from Nike’s home region, joins the group as a projected first‑round draft prospect and Heisman contender.
The cohort also features LSU’s Kewan Lacy, Vanderbilt’s Colin Simmons, Louisiana’s Trey’Dez Green, Ohio State’s Jared Curtis and Tennessee’s Chris Henry Jr., each bringing a distinct skill set to the mix.
Nike executive vice president Ann Miller said the partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to equipping athletes with tools for success on the field, in business and in culture.
The initiative mirrors the pathways of recent NFL stars such as Saquon Barkley, Ja’Marr Chase, Jayden Daniels and Derrick Henry, who also began with signature Nike deals.
As the 2026 season approaches, the elite eight will wear Nike’s latest performance gear while leveraging their new partnerships to build brands that extend far beyond the gridiron.