USC and Nike announced on July 14 that they have renewed their partnership with a decade‑long agreement that will see the university’s athletic programs outfitted in new Nike uniforms and apparel, while also launching a series of retail pop‑ups and equipment upgrades across campus.
A Strategic Extension
The deal also introduces a new NIL initiative called the Blue Ribbon Elite Class, designed to give top prospects a platform to monetize their name, image and likeness through partnerships with Nike and its affiliated brands.
Among the first athletes to sign on is four‑star receiver Quentin Hale, a Corona Centennial product who committed to USC earlier this year and now joins Nike Football’s 2026 NIL class.
Hale’s spring and summer have been marked by a string of accolades, including Offensive MVP at The Opening’s regional competition in Los Angeles and a spot in the finals at Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton.
National Attention
His high school résumé features 140 receptions for 2,077 yards and 27 touchdowns, placing him among the most productive pass catchers in the state.
Scouting services rank Hale No. 50 overall in the country according to 247Sports and No. 98 by On3 and Rivals, while he is also listed among the top ten players in California by multiple outlets.
The addition of Hale to Nike’s NIL cohort underscores the broader reach of the partnership, which now extends to a network of elite prospects including Caleb Williams, Zachariah Branch, Zion Branch and other standout athletes.
USC Athletics hopes the renewed alliance will not only enhance the Trojans’ on‑field competitiveness but also reinforce the university’s appeal to elite recruits nationwide.