Nike is pleased to announce its 2026 NFL Rookie Class, introducing a new generation of football talent to the brand’s prominent roster of global athletes as they advance from college standouts to the professional level.
The class demonstrates Nike’s strong commitment to the sport, showcasing 20 athletes from various programs nationwide. Among them are six to eight anticipated first-round draft picks, including projected top 10 selections David Bailey, Mansoor Delane, and Sonny Styles. Comprising both dynamic offensive players and adaptable defenders, the rookie class exemplifies the speed, skill, and competitive spirit that characterize modern football.
“Nike is the only option for me. Nike fits my feet perfectly. Can’t wear any other shoes. Period.” — Akheem Mesidor
The Indiana Hoosiers secure a historic national championship victory over the Miami Hurricanes.
Each of the 20 athletes demonstrates verifiable evidence of elite performance. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Mike Washington Jr. recorded the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at 4.33 seconds, highlighting exceptional speed. Additionally, 18 of the 22 athletes who completed the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds or faster were wearing Nike Vapor cleats.
“As we welcome this elite group of athletes to the Nike Football roster, our focus remains on delivering the innovation, development and performance advantages that athletes need to compete at the highest level,” says Ann Miller, EVP, Global Sports Marketing. “From the earliest moments of the game to its biggest stages, we’re committed to pushing what’s possible on and off the field the field while advancing football for the next generation.”
“When I think about Nike, I think about elite. Elite athletes. Elite people. I think about Kobe, LeBron, all these great players. I always have felt like Nike was it. It’s been the brand.” — Sonny Styles
Sonny Styles achieved a notable milestone with a 43.5-inch vertical jump, the highest recorded for a linebacker. Additionally, Eli Stowers set new position records with a 45.5-inch vertical jump, the highest by a tight end and the third highest overall, as well as an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump, establishing a new record for tight ends.
Nike’s 2026 NFL Rookie Class includes:
- David Bailey, defensive end, Texas Tech
- Chris Bell, wide receiver, Louisville
- Skyler Bell, wide receiver, UConn
- Germie Bernard, wide receiver, Alabama
- Chris Brazzell II, wide receiver, Tennessee
- Deion Burks, wide receiver, Oklahoma
- Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver, Indiana
- Mansoor Delane, defensive back, LSU
- Malachi Fields, wide receiver, Notre Dame
- Jermod McCoy, defensive back, Tennessee
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, defensive back, Toledo
- Akheem Mesidor, defensive end, Miami
- Nicholas Singleton, running back, Penn State
- Eli Stowers, tight end, Vanderbilt
- De’Zhaun Stribling, wide receiver, Ole Miss
- Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State
- Dillon Thieneman, defensive back, Oregon
- Michael Trigg, tight end, Baylor
- Mike Washington Jr., running back, Arkansas
- Antonio Williams, wide receiver, Clemson
By joining Nike’s distinguished football team, each athlete will have access to the brand’s premier footwear and apparel, including the upcoming Alpha Menace 5 Elite cleat, developed in collaboration with athletes at all levels to meet the demands of the modern game. Nike’s partnerships extend beyond performance, supporting athletes in their most important moments off the field. From product design and styling to media and content support, Nike utilizes the full scope of its resources to provide a premier partnership that reflects the company’s fifty years of history as the brand of athletes and demonstrates its ongoing dedication to inspiring and empowering the next generation.
“Being part of the Nike family means I’m representing something bigger than myself: a standard, a legacy. I take pride in that. I want to carry that the right way, on and off the field, and show appreciation for the opportunity I’ve been given.” — Omar Cooper Jr.
Nike’s ongoing commitment to supporting young athletes underscores the brand’s presence at all levels of football—from youth leagues and flag football to college programs and its longstanding partnership with the NFL—demonstrating their dedication to nurturing the next generation and shaping the future of the sport.
Photos/NikeNewsroom
Nike contributed to this column
