Nike is bringing back The Opening in 2026, reviving one of the most influential stages in U.S. high school football and pairing it with a bigger focus on exposure, performance, and potential NIL upside for young athletes. After a seven-year break, the invite-only showcase returns as a coast-to-coast tour, culminating in The Opening Finals at Nike’s Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, Oregon.
Nike revives The Opening after seven years
First launched in 2011, The Opening quickly became one of the most exclusive recruiting events for elite high school football talent in the United States. Following a seven-year hiatus, Nike is relaunching the experience to give top prospects a premium platform to compete, learn, and elevate their college recruitment.
The series remains invite-only, targeting the best high school players across the U.S. who are looking to test themselves against national-level competition. Beyond performance, the updated format puts a stronger emphasis on brand building, education, and modern pathways like NIL deals.
2026 event schedule and host cities
The Opening tour kicks off in Miami on January 16 ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship. It then travels to NFL facilities in six more U.S. cities: Los Angeles (February 22), Indianapolis (March 1), Atlanta (March 8), New Orleans (March 22), New York City (April 12), and Dallas (May 24).
Each regional stop gathers top local high school players to compete in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump, position-specific drills, and one-on-one and seven-on-seven matchups. The format is designed to showcase speed, agility, football IQ and game-readiness in a highly competitive environment.
The Opening Finals and NIL potential
From the regional events, the top 120 athletes will be invited to The Opening Finals at Nike’s Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, Oregon, a three-day experience running June 24–26. There, prospects will compete against the best players from across the country and work closely with leading Nike coaches and trainers.
The finals also introduce a modern twist: athletes will have the chance to represent their region and potentially secure an NIL deal with Nike, adding a tangible commercial opportunity to the showcase. For many, it will be the first time they experience a professional-style environment that blends performance, branding and business.
Exposure, recruiting and creator partnerships
To maximize visibility, all major national recruiting websites will be on-site at regional events, with data and video from performances distributed to coaching staffs at all Power Four programs. Athletes will also be able to access their video through Hudl, giving them ready-made content to share with college coaches and on their own channels.
Two of the most prominent football creators, Deestroying and AJ Greene, will join Nike on tour at each stop to spotlight which region boasts the strongest youth football talent. Their presence is set to amplify social reach and give participants another route to build their personal brands.
Alumni legacy and free access for the 2027 class
Participants this year will include top recruits from the class of 2027 and standout underclassmen, with all athletes competing free of charge. Every player will also suit up in the latest Nike football gear, including cleats, gloves, tops, and shorts.
The relaunch taps into a strong legacy: since The Opening began, 428 alumni have been drafted into the NFL, including 95 first-round picks, a track record that cements the event as a major pipeline for future stars. Current athletes now have the chance to add their names to that list while navigating a new era shaped by NIL and digital visibility.
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