Jordan Brand, adidas Support Michigan and Washington after National Championship
In the ever-changing landscape of college recruiting, NIL and the transfer portal, what student-athletes wear on their feet makes a huge difference.
As now-Colorado coach Deion Sanders once said as a player himself: “If you look good, you feel good, If you feel good, you play good, If you play good, they pay good.”
There is no bigger stage in college sports than the College Football Playoff National Championship and Nike's Jordan Brand was well represented in Monday night's matchup between Michigan and Washington, both on and off the field.
Michigan's championship-winning team was head to toe in Jumpman apparel, footwear and accessories and the Nike brand's presence even extended to the NRG Stadium suite level. Nike took over a luxury suite with their executive team and a few familiar faces, including Michael Jordan himself, brand endorsers Travis Scott and Derek Jeter and ESPN's Steven A. Smith, who all got face time in the game's broadcast.
But even pre-game, Jordan Brand was getting love. Michigan alum and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard even took school's Jumpman relationship - a 15-year, $174 million deal - a step further during ESPN's pregame show when he gave credit to the school's sponsor for getting the Wolverines to the precipice of college football history.
"I believe it all started when they (Michigan) signed with Jumpman because when they did that, it gave them credibility with a lot of recruits they wanted. And I think that Michigan tonight will be the first football team, sponsored by Jumpman, to win the National Championship."
In the world of NIL, student-athletes absolutely factor what footwear and apparel they will be wearing when attending a school and there is no hotter brand in college sports than Jordan Brand.
Moments after confetti rained down on the Wolverines, Jumpman's social accounts - who during the College Football Playoff, changed their platform avatars to a Michigan-inspired logo - posted their congratulations.
"From unfinished business, to undefeated.Congrats to the University of Michigan on an undefeated season and the national championship.Hail to the Victors from your Jordan Family."
Although adidas' Washington Huskies fell to Michigan, the brand still supported the team and their NIL partners all season long. adidas signed Washington to a 10-year, $119 million deal in 2019 - taking over from Nike - and this season made brand history by collaborating with Huskies' star duo Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze as their first football NIL partners.
After the National Championship, adidas' Football account posted love for the Huskies.
From a visit to their Portland U.S. headquarters, to Heisman and Biletnikoff hype videos for Penix and Odunze, culminating in a surprise product gifting from NBA All-Star - and adidas endorser - Damian Lillard ahead of the National Championship, adidas put on for the Dawgs all season long.
Now as the college football offseason officially beings, transfers and high school recruiting decisions coming by the day, programs' footwear remain a key selling point for student-athletes making decisions on their futures.
