Nebraska Football Unveils On-Field NIL Logos for Games

Nebraska becomes the first college program to display on-field corporate logos, marking a new NIL era in sports.

Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a pass against the UTEP Miners during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have made history by becoming the first college program to feature on-field corporate logos at Memorial Stadium. This groundbreaking move occurred during a highly anticipated matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes.

The logos representing the 1890 Nebraska NIL collective were prominently displayed at both 25-yard lines, marking a significant evolution in how college sports can harness branding and sponsorship opportunities, particularly following the NCAA's approval for such placements in June.

The 1890 Nebraska NIL collective stands as the official initiative, strategically crafted to fortify financial support for Nebraska athletes through astute partnerships and sponsorships. Under the astute guidance of new athletic director Troy Dannen, who has made NIL initiatives a top priority since his arrival in Lincoln, the collective has garnered robust support from the athletic department.

“If you want to thrive, if you want to win, and let’s not kid ourselves, it’s all about winning. What do you need to do to win? You have to invest in NIL.” Dannen shared with On3. “You have to invest in the partnerships, you have to commit to it.”

Introducing on-field sponsorships signifies a vital new revenue stream for athletic departments, especially in light of the House v. NCAA settlement, which could pave the way for substantial revenue sharing between Schools and Athletes.

Dannen has emphasized that investing in NIL is essential for achieving success, sharing with On3 that “Not being involved and not partnering ties one of your coach’s hands behind his back. My job is to give every coach everything they need to have success, and this is an important part of it.”

Nebraska's NIL collective is recognized as one of the premier collectives in the Big Ten, as evidenced by the successful recruitment of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola from Georgia.

The launch of the 1890 Nebraska on-field logos is a bold statement of the Husker's commitment to navigating the NIL landscape and elevating its profile in the Big Ten and beyond, paving the way for a powerhouse program for years to come.