Nike and the University of Texas are adding 13 more Longhorn student-athletes to the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, widening a partnership that now stretches across multiple sports and another layer of Texas talent.
The new group is the second Texas class in the program, which Nike and UT are calling “Volume 2.” Blue Ribbon Elite is described as a first-of-its-kind NIL initiative built around a wide range of athletes and a more collaborative model that centers athlete identity and the future of sport.
The latest Longhorns joining Nike’s expanding NIL roster of more than 60 elite athletes are Lily Davis (Beach Volleyball), Linkin Garcia (Baseball), Elizabeth Ionescu (Women's Tennis), Rex Maurer (Men's Swimming), Mariah Maxwell (Women's Track and Field), Mia Maxwell (Women's Track and Field), Oliver Ojakaar (Men's Tennis), Anthony Pack Jr. (Baseball), Adrian Rodriguez (Baseball), Katie Stewart (Softball), Isa Torres (Softball), and Phoebe Wise (Rowing).
Chris Del Conte, the University of Texas Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Family Athletics Director, called the opportunity “such a unique, innovative and awesome opportunity for our student-athletes to collaborate with Nike in their Blue Ribbon Elite program,” adding, “We're beyond grateful to Nike for extending this to us and for our longstanding relationship with them.”
The move also builds on a 26-year relationship between Nike and Texas. Nike says the Blue Ribbon Elite name nods to the brand’s humble beginnings while also reflecting its long run as a major force in sport, college athletics and NIL partnerships.
Nike says the partnership goes beyond simply putting athletes in brand campaigns. The program is built to involve student-athletes in product innovation, creative direction and other collaborative work that reaches both the campus community and the broader audience around the brand.
The company also says its NIL support is individualized, with help that ranges from performance and training to media, content, product and styling. Nike frames that as part of a broader effort to give athletes tools that can carry them beyond their playing careers.
The Blue Ribbon Elite model also includes athlete-centered design and innovation, along with support for athletes looking to stand for something bigger, according to Nike. Ann Miller, EVP, Global Sports Marketing, said, “Blue Ribbon Elite brings athletes, schools and Nike together through a partnership rooted in sport, collaboration and athlete voice,” and added, “By inviting these athletes into the conversation in meaningful ways, the program helps shape the future of college sport and culture. We're deeply proud to partner with the University of Texas, an iconic institution whose legacy and leadership align naturally with an athlete‑centered model that reflects where Nike and college athletics are headed.”
Texas’ first Blue Ribbon Elite class was announced in March 2026 and included Reese Atwood (Softball), Dia Bell (Football), Cam Coleman (Football), Teagan Kavan (Softball), Hubert Kós (Swimming), Ava McDonald (Soccer), Tommy Morrison (Golf), Eva Okaro (Swimming), Farah O'Keefe (Golf), Aiden Robbins (Baseball), Colin Simmons (Football), Cari Spears (Volleyball), Torrey Stafford (Volleyball), Dylan Volantis (Baseball), Jonah Williams (Baseball and Football), and Ryan Wingo (Football).
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