Oregon State’s long-running partnership with Nike is getting another boost, and two of the Beavers’ biggest offensive stars are now part of the mix.
The school announced Monday that it has extended its relationship with Nike, keeping the company as the official supplier of uniforms, footwear, apparel and equipment for Oregon State’s programs and athletic department. The extension also ties into Blue Ribbon Elite, the NIL program that has added quarterback Braden Atkinson and wide receiver Jesse Legree to its roster.
Blue Ribbon Elite is described as a first-of-its-kind initiative with a broad portfolio of athletes across different sports. The program is built around giving top athletes and universities a higher level of collaboration, with an emphasis on the future of sport and athlete identity.
For Oregon State, the extension adds another chapter to a partnership that has lasted three decades.
“The opportunity for Braden and Jesse to be a part of Nike's Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program is exceptional and an incredible benefit of our relationship,” said Kevin Griffin, Oregon State Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Nike is woven into the fabric of this state, and Oregon State is proud to be a big part of that story. Our shared Oregon roots make this partnership special, and this extension will serve our student-athletes well as our programs continue to strive for success in the Pac-12 and nationwide.”
Atkinson and Legree have been central figures in the national award conversation this season, and their connection on the field has made them one of the most dangerous quarterback-receiver pairings in college football.
Atkinson has thrown for a national-best 2,977 yards and 25 touchdowns. Legree has hauled in 53 catches for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns, with both of those marks leading the nation.
Atkinson said, “Being part of Blue Ribbon Elite is an honor, and it means even more because Nike's roots are right here in Oregon. I'm grateful for the people who got me here, including my family, my coaches and my teammates.
Getting to represent Oregon State alongside a brand with this much history in the state is something I don't take for granted. I'm excited to see what we can do together.”
Legree added, “Joining Blue Ribbon Elite is a dream come true, and I get to do it representing Oregon State. I fell in love with this culture, and it's only going to grow from here.
Having Nike in my corner pushes me to work harder every week. We're building something big in Corvallis, and I'm proud to be part of it.”
B uild E xcellent A uthentic V isionary S tudent- A thletes (Go BEAVS).
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