The name, image and likeness era has officially begun. It has the potential to be a very lucrative era for student-athletes, and Nebraska athletes haven’t wasted any time.
Thursday has already brought forward a number of announcements on the NIL front for Nebraska. From brand and podcast launches to agent announcements, we are off and running.
Before we dive into who is doing what, Nebraska did release its full policy on NIL. It’s worth a read so you’re fully aware of what Nebraska student-athletes can and cannot do.
Let’s get to the latest on NIL and who is doing what:
Wide Receiver Omar Manning
Proactive Sports Agency, a full-service basketball and football agency, will represent wide receiver Omar Manning in NIL.
Welcome @TheOmarManning to the family! We represent Omar on all inquires in regards to his name, image, and likeness!
Omar is a 6’4” wide receiver and was ranked the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver before signing with Nebraska. Expect a big year coming! pic.twitter.com/2AZ4AUPoTR
— Proactive Sports Agency (@AgencyProactive) July 1, 2021
That’s not all, of course. Manning also announced his partnership with Yoke Gaming, an app that allows fans to play video games with college athletes. Defensive back Tyreke Johnson also announced his partnership with Yoke Gaming on Instagram.
Guards (and Brothers) Trey and Bryce McGowens
Trey and Bryce McGowens have entered the podcast world. The brothers launched “Off Court with The McGowens,” a podcast sponsored by Tanner’s Bar and Grill and Tavern 180 and produced by Husker Online.
Outside Hitter Lexi Sun
Lexi Sun is probably one of the most prepared student-athletes in the country for NIL. She has more than 75,000 followers on Instagram (and another 13,000 on Twitter, respectively) and she plans to put that following to use.
Sun announced ‘THE SUNNY CREW’ on Wednesday with sweatshirt sales beginning Thursday at midnight.
ah hi friends!! so SO excited to introduce to you…THE SUNNY CREW.
ive been working on this fun / happy lil project for some time now & am stoked i get to share it w yall 🙂
shop ur new crew by going to https://t.co/hYHhJeUEVo ✨
SALES START TONIGHT @ 12 MIDNIGHT pic.twitter.com/VfWK9uR6pw
— lexi sun (@lexiisun) July 1, 2021
Sun partnered with REN Athletics—who also works with former Husker Kenzie Maloney—and will donate a portion of sales to non-profits.
“Because of the lasting impact that our sports psychology department has had on my life, I am committed to donating a portion of the proceeds back to a non-profit sports psychology organization,” Sun said on the REN Athletics website. “I am hopeful that this will provide other athletes with the opportunity to learn more about themselves and be able to grow not only on the court, but also as individuals off the court.”
Defensive Lineman Casey Rogers
Nebraska defensive lineman Casey Rogers is a dog owner, and that paid off right at midnight on Thursday. Citizen K-9 Training in Lincoln partner with Rogers, who tweeted out his endorsement of the local business who worked with his dog Nala.
The hashtag is pretty good too.
ATTENTION DOG OWNERS! Need help UNLEASHING YOUR DOGS POTENTIAL? Paul Stromberg of Citizen K-9 Training is one of Lincoln’s most ELITE dog trainers! He transformed my dog Nala into a amazing k9 companion! Check out what Paul has to offer! https://t.co/FPomRqO4R3 #throwtheBONES pic.twitter.com/uWmPLwQoOy
— Casey Rogers (@caseyrogers99) July 1, 2021
Pole Vaulter Hannah Preissler
Opendorse announced on Wednesday that every student-athlete would be eligible to receive a deal from Gopuff through their platform. A number of Nebraska athletes took Gopuff up on the offer, including pole vaulter Hannah Preissler.
Gopuff delivers countless items in just minutes which makes it the perfect app for late night Ben & Jerry’s cravings. 😋 Get $25 when you sign up. https://t.co/g9h0joEpkL #GopuffPartner pic.twitter.com/3uL5OYdwyR
— Hannah Preissler (@h_preissler) July 1, 2021
Tight end James Carnie also took advantage of the deal.
Tight End Austin Allen
Runza promised a deal to the first 100 student-athletes in Nebraska through the Opendorse platform. Tight end Austin Allen took Runza up on the offer, even posing in front of a restaurant and encouraging people to download the rewards app.
If you know me at all.. you know I love reward apps! Do something smart with your smartphone. Download the @runzarestaurants app to start earning rewards with me #ad https://t.co/g5twG2Q0SF pic.twitter.com/KP8vVSbEn6
— Austin Allen (@austin11allen) July 1, 2021
Quarterback Adrian Martinez
Nebraska’s starting quarterback has joined Cameo, a website where fans can request personalized videos from their favorite athletes, stars and more.
Defensive Lineman Ben Stille
Ben Stille officially has an apparel line, which fans can shop through his personalized website.
Husker nation I’m excited to bring to you my own personalized apparel line! Head to https://t.co/Cqy5qCsIFA to purchase this apparel and much more! pic.twitter.com/CQ5VlhJhfQ
— Ben Stille (@b_stille_) July 3, 2021
This list will continue to be updated as we know more.
Erin is the Deputy Editor and Digital Marketing Strategist for Hail Varsity. She has covered Nebraska athletics since 2012, which has included stops at Bleacher Report, Cox Media Group’s Land of 10, and even Hail Varsity (previously from 2012-2017). She has also been featured on the Big Ten Network, NET’s Big Red Wrap-Up, and a varsity of radio shows nationwide. When not covering the Huskers, Erin is probably at Chipotle.
