November 02, 2026 | Football, General
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State and Nike announced Monday an extension of their long-standing relationship, while record-breaking quarterback Braden Atkinson and wide receiver Jesse Legree have joined the decorated Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.
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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.
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The Blue Ribbon Elite program further amplifies the strong relationship between the Beavers and Nike that has stood for three decades. The extension continues Nike as the official supplier of uniforms, footwear, apparel and equipment for Oregon State's programs and athletic department.
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"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."
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Both Atkinson and Legree have been at the forefront of the college football national award discussion this season. The two have partnered as one of the most lethal quarterback-wide receiver combos this season. Both are national candidates for their respective position awards.
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Atkinson has thrown for a national-best 2,977 yards and 25 touchdowns. Legree has caught 53 passes for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns, with both numbers leading the nation.
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From Atkinson:Â "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."
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From Legree:Â "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."
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OUR MISSION
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
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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.
Â
The Blue Ribbon Elite program further amplifies the strong relationship between the Beavers and Nike that has stood for three decades. The extension continues Nike as the official supplier of uniforms, footwear, apparel and equipment for Oregon State's programs and athletic department.
Â
"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."
Â
Both Atkinson and Legree have been at the forefront of the college football national award discussion this season. The two have partnered as one of the most lethal quarterback-wide receiver combos this season. Both are national candidates for their respective position awards.
Â
Atkinson has thrown for a national-best 2,977 yards and 25 touchdowns. Legree has caught 53 passes for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns, with both numbers leading the nation.
Â
From Atkinson:Â "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."
Â
From Legree:Â "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."
Â
OUR MISSION
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
Â
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
WR
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Monday, November 02
Monday, November 02
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