Future Penn State Quarterback Signs NIL Deal with Express

Ohio high schooler Ethan Grunkemeyer partners with Columbus-based fashion brand

One of the fastest rising prospects in the 2024 recruiting class - quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer of Olentangy High School (Lewis Center, Ohio) - signed today with Penn State, but prior to putting pen to paper, he made it official with a new NIL partner.

Grunkemeyer announced a deal with nearby Columbus-based fashion brand Express, who a year ago partnered with Ohio State stars C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This marks the first time that the retailer has worked with a high school athlete and a Nittany Lion.

With a shopping experience in their Columbus retail store, Express helped their youngest NIL partner to date pick out a new outfit for his signing day festivities. Before singing on the dotted line with the Nittany Lions, Grunkemeyer announced his Express partnership via an Instagram collab post with the clothing brand and their 1.4 million followers.

“I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and am thrilled to be working with Express,” Grunkemeyer shared in a release. “As a Columbus native, I grew up wearing and loving Express. It is an honor to partner with the brand and follow in the footsteps of other noteworthy college athletes who have come before me in the program.”

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"We are thrilled to welcome Ethan Grunkemeyer into the Express Styling Community, expanding on our successful collegiate athlete style ambassador program with a local, talented athlete beginning his college football career," Sara Tervo, Express' Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer added.

Earlier this year, Express expanded their NIL portfolio to include men’s basketball players including Jahvon Quinerly of Alabama), Justice Sueing of Ohio State, Keyonte George of Baylor and Nick Smith of Arkansas.

Although only having one offer after his junior season a year ago - Miami (Ohio) - Penn State came calling in the Spring and Grunkemeyer's rise began. He had a stellar showing at the Elite 11 Finals over the Summer and threw for 3,278 yards, 37 touchdowns with only eight interceptions during his season season. He finished as the No. 7 quarterback in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports.

Grunkemeyer will next take part in the Under Armour All-American game on January 3 before making the move to Penn State.