Nike Announces Its 2026 NFL Rookie Class, Featuring 20 Elite Athletes at the Top of the Game

Nike is announcing its 2026 NFL Rookie Class, adding a new generation of football talent to the brand’s leading roster of global athletes as they transition from college standouts to the professional stage.

The class reflects the depth of Nike’s commitment to the sport, featuring 20 athletes from programs across the country, including six to eight projected first-round draft picks and projected top 10 picks David Bailey, Mansoor Delane and Sonny Styles. From explosive offensive weapons to versatile defenders, the rookie class embodies the speed, skill and competitive edge that define modern football.

Each of the 20 athletes arrives with measurable proof 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, showcasing game‑changing speed. Further, 18 of the 22 athletes who ran this year's 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds or less were wearing Nike Vapor cleats.

Sonny Styles delivered a historic showing with a 43.5‑inch vertical jump, the highest ever recorded by a linebacker. And Eli Stowers set position records with a 45.5‑inch vertical jump, the highest by a tight end and third highest overall, and an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump that set the record for tight ends.

“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.”

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

What they’re saying:

• “When I think of Nike, I think of a family of innovators, people pushing the boundaries, trying new things and putting out quality products for the fans.” — David Bailey
• “I am not going to lie, I never ever dreamed I would get this opportunity, so having this opportunity is a blessing, and I’m grateful. I’m just looking forward to representing the brand well, representing the family well, and putting something out that we can be proud of.” — David Bailey
• “This is the biggest moment of my career so far, and Nike felt like the right partner because they understand that journey. I didn’t come in as the biggest name, so I had to earn everything. Nike represents belief to me, and that grind and that climb. I want to be with a brand that values work, consistency and showing up when it counts, because that’s who I am.” — Omar Cooper Jr.
• “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 felt like the right partnership for me in this journey because I grew up wearing this brand as a kid. It's a dream come true to represent this brand now that I’m at this level; to be a Nike athlete is an honor. The diversity of clothes — from streetwear to athletic wear — stands out from other brands. The legacy and the legendary athletes that have worn this brand is unique as well, and it’s special to be able to follow in the footsteps of the greats that came before." — Mansoor Delane
• "I focus on the work I put in every day and how I carry myself, and Nike naturally fits into that mindset. I’m looking forward to growing with them and letting that speak for itself." — Mansoor Delane
• “Nike is the only option for me. Nike fits my feet perfectly. Can’t wear any other shoes. Period.” — Akheem Mesidor
• “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
• “I want to work with the best, and when you’re an athlete trying to be the best version of yourself and put yourself in whatever is going to help you be the best on the field…Nike is going to do that. And for me, being a good person means a lot to me. Treating people the right way means a lot to me. And meeting the people at Nike and being able to join that…it feels like the right people were a part of the organization.” — Sonny Styles

By joining Nike’s unparalleled football roster, each athlete will have access to the brand’s industry‑leading footwear and apparel, including the upcoming Alpha Menace 5 Elite cleat, designed in partnership with athletes at all levels to meet the demands of the modern game. Nike’s partnerships also extend beyond performance, supporting athletes in their most important moments away from the field. 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 that reflects Nike’s five-decade history as the brand of athletes and underscores its continued commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation.

Nike’s continued investment in young athletes reinforces the brand’s role at every level of football — from youth competitions to flag football, college campuses to a longstanding partnership with the NFL — reflecting the brand’s belief in the power of the next generation to shape the future of the game.