Nike announces NIL deal with Texas' Cam Coleman, Colin Simmons, other Longhorns athletes

Cam Coleman announced Friday morning that he has signed a major NIL partnership with Nike, becoming one of the newest athletes included in the company’s Blue Ribbon Elite program. He is one of 16 Texas players so sign NIL deals with the brand.

The agreement places the Texas receiver among an elite group of Longhorn athletes participating in the first-of-its-kind NIL initiative. Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite program brings together top college athletes across multiple sports while expanding the company’s long-standing partnership with the Texas Longhorns. His teammate Colin Simmons was among the athletes chosen, as well.

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“Blue Ribbon Elite brings athletes, schools and Nike together through a partnership rooted in sport, collaboration and athlete voice,” said Ann Miller, Nike executive vice president of global sports marketing, in a statement. “By inviting these athletes into the conversation in meaningful ways, the program helps shape the future of college sport and culture.”

Coleman is part of a 16-athlete group from Texas joining the program, which spans multiple sports and includes football standouts such as Simmons, Dia Bell and Ryan Wingo. Softball stars Reese Atwood and Teagan Kavan are also on board, along with volleyball standout Cari Spears.

“This is such a unique, innovative and awesome opportunity for our student-athletes to collaborate with Nike in their Blue Ribbon Elite program,” said Texas athletics director Chris Del Conte in a statement. “We’re beyond grateful to Nike for extending this to us and for our longstanding relationship with them.”

Texas is the second school to have athletes featured in Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite program. LSU was part of its initial launch as 10 Tigers athletes inked NIL deals with Nike, including football’s DJ Pickett and Trey’Dez Green.

The NIL news continues a busy offseason for Coleman, who transferred to Texas after spending the last two seasons with Auburn.  The former five-star recruit played a significant role in Auburn’s offense, recording 56 receptions for 708 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Across two seasons with the Tigers, Coleman totaled 93 catches for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 14 yards per reception.

Moreover, Coleman entered college football as one of the most highly regarded prospects in recent recruiting cycles. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, he was the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit and the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2024 class.

Now in Austin, Coleman joins a Texas program led by head coach Steve Sarkisian that is coming off a 10-3 season. The Longhorns closed the year with a 41–27 victory over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed.