Nike signs 18 Alabama athletes to the Blue Ribbon Elite program

Nike announced on Tuesday that 18 athletes from the University of Alabama have joined its Blue Ribbon Elite program. The roster includes student-athletes across multiple sports, such as football quarterback Keelon Russell, wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, and softball pitcher Jocelyn Briski. The Blue Ribbon Elite program allows athletes at designated Nike partner schools to sign name, image, and likeness deals with the apparel brand. Nike launched the initiative in December 2025, with Louisiana State University serving as the first participant, followed by the University of Texas. The company confirmed that its total NIL roster now includes approximately 95 athletes. Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne stated that the partnership aims to support athlete brand development and innovation within the university athletics program.

• 8:33 PMYahoo Sports — Nike signs 18 Alabama athletes to NIL deals as part of Blue Ribbon Elite program