Nike Inks 18 Alabama Athletes to its 2026-27 Blue Ribbon Elite NIL Roster
9/8/2026 9:58:00 AM | General
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Nike and Alabama Athletics announced today the addition of 18 Crimson Tide athletes to the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL roster for the 2026-27 season.
Blue Ribbon Elite, a first-of-its-kind initiative, represents a broad portfolio of athletes across disciplines, reimagining the NIL space by providing leading athletes and universities an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity.
"Our longstanding partnership with Nike has always been about more than what our athletes wear in competition," said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. "It's about aligning with an industry leader that shares our commitment to innovation and providing Alabama with best-in-class opportunities. The Blue Ribbon Elite program is another example of that commitment, creating a unique platform for our athletes to build and elevate their individual brands. We're grateful to Nike for their continued investment in our athletes and look forward to building on an already strong partnership."
The announcement further solidifies Alabama's position among the nation's premier collegiate athletic programs while strengthening its partnership with Nike. Since beginning in 2001, the relationship has continued to be one of the most comprehensive and innovative all-sports partnerships in college athletics.
"Alabama's tradition is defined by athletes who lead, compete and inspire at the highest level," said Ann Miller, Nike EVP, Global Sports Marketing. "These student-athletes embody the championship mindset, resilience and drive that move sport forward and continue to define Alabama's legacy. Blue Ribbon Elite creates new opportunities for them to expand their impact on and off the field while helping shape the future of college sport."
Joining Nike's roster of Blue Ribbon Elite athletes are:
- Amari Allen, men's basketball
- Ace Austin, women's basketball
- Jocelyn Briski, softball
- Zabien Brown, football
- Ryan Coleman-Williams, football
- EJ Crowell, football
- Tommy Hagar, men's swimming
- Bray Hubbard, football
- Dijon Lee Jr., football
- Cederian Morgan, football
- Vic Moten, softball
- Hannah Parant, volleyball
- Yhonzae Pierre, football
- Azaraya Ra-Akbar, gymnastics
- Melina Rebimbas, soccer
- Keelon Russell, football
- Myles Upchurch, baseball
- Audrey Vandagriff, softball
What they're saying
"Growing up, the Swoosh represented the athletes who set the standard and inspired the next generation. To now have the opportunity to wear it myself and be part of the Nike family is something I don't take for granted. I'm proud to represent Alabama, my teammates and everyone who has helped me get to this point." – Bray Hubbard
"Being part of the Nike family is a huge milestone for me. It is a constant reminder that hard work and countless hours of training pay off! I can't wait to start this journey!" - Vic Moten
"It has been an honor representing The University of Alabama during my time here, and now getting the chance to represent the brand that so many of my childhood role models wear along with this university, is a dream come true. I hope to inspire this next generation of female athletes to always dream big, just as my role models did for me." - Melina Rebimbas
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Nike. It has been a lifelong dream of mine since I was a little kid. Representing Alabama and being a Nike Blue Ribbon athlete reminds me to work hard every day." - Myles Upchurch
About Blue Ribbon Elite
The Blue Ribbon Elite program, named after Nike's humble beginnings, reflects the brand's long-held leading position in sport, college and NIL partnership, as well as an enduring commitment to making athletes better — from pioneering the first truly comprehensive "all-sports" partnership in the 1980s to today's creative, career-building collaborations with top NIL athletes.
Nike's partnership with each Blue Ribbon Elite athlete goes beyond brand representation, inspiring the student body and community to collaborate through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction.
In short: When programs and athletes sign with Nike, they don't just rep the Swoosh, they help shape it.
Nike's commitment to listening to the voices of its NIL athletes takes shape in individual, personalized support, both in their performance and training and in their most important moments away from the game. From product and styling to support with media and content, Nike leverages the full weight of the brand to provide a best-in-class partnership to athletes across its NIL roster, giving them tools for long-term success across sport, business and culture.
Nike's NIL partnerships also extend to athlete-centered design and innovation, as well as support for athletes in their pursuit to stand for something bigger. This industry-leading approach reflects Nike's five-decade history as the brand of athletes and underscores its continued commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation.
