Full Breakdown
Ohio High School Athletes Gain Right to Profit from Name, Image, and Likeness
11/25/2025, 3:07:30 PM
OHSAA Votes to Lift NIL Ban
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has officially voted to allow high school athletes in Ohio to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This decision follows a significant legal challenge initiated by Jamier Brown, a highly regarded wide receiver and Ohio State University recruit, who claimed that the previous prohibition on NIL deals was unlawful and detrimental to student-athletes. The emergency referendum, which took place from November 17 to November 21, resulted in 447 schools voting in favor, 121 against, and 247 abstaining. The OHSAA announced the results on November 24, making Ohio the 45th state to permit NIL deals for high school athletes.
Legal Context and Impetus for Change
The OHSAA's decision was expedited by a temporary restraining order issued by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page on October 20, which nullified the OHSAA's ban on NIL deals. This legal action was prompted by Brown's lawsuit, which argued that the OHSAA's restrictions suppressed economic opportunities for student-athletes. Brown's attorney, Luke Fedlam, noted that the lawsuit was not solely about Brown but aimed at creating a positive change for all high school athletes in Ohio.
New Regulations and Oversight
Under the new bylaw, student-athletes can engage in various NIL activities, including endorsements, social media content, and personal appearances. However, the OHSAA has established regulations to ensure that these deals do not interfere with student-athletes' eligibility or the integrity of high school sports. For instance, athletes are prohibited from participating in NIL activities during school hours or official team events, and deals cannot involve inappropriate products or services.
OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute emphasized the importance of oversight, stating, “This will be a continually evolving piece of high school athletics.” The association plans to track NIL deals and ensure compliance with existing recruiting and amateurism policies.
Perspectives on the Change
Supporters of the new policy, including Westerville Central athletic director Andy Ey, expressed optimism about the opportunities it creates for student-athletes. Ey remarked that the shift was "inevitable" and reflects a changing landscape in high school sports. Jamier Brown expressed excitement about the ruling, highlighting its potential to alleviate financial burdens for families and provide valuable lessons in financial literacy and responsibility.
Conversely, some critics may argue that the introduction of NIL deals could lead to distractions for student-athletes and complicate the amateur status of high school sports. However, OHSAA officials believe that the established regulations will help mitigate these concerns.
What's Next for Ohio High School Athletes
With the OHSAA's ruling now in effect, the focus will shift to monitoring and refining the NIL landscape for high school athletes in Ohio. Future changes to the NIL policy will undergo the standard referendum process in May, allowing for continued input from member schools. As Ohio joins the growing trend of states permitting NIL deals, the implications for high school athletics and student-athlete rights are significant, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.
Verbatim Quotes
“Whether our schools or individuals agree with NIL at the high school level or not, the courts have spoken on this issue across the country that the NCAA and high school athletic associations cannot prevent a student-athlete from making money on their NIL.” — Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director
“What pushed me was knowing that allowing NIL for high school athletes in Ohio could be a game changer for a lot of kids like me,” — Jamier Brown, High School Athlete
“This is significant for a high school student athlete to want to fight for their rights and be able to win those rights not for themselves, but to effect change that positively impacts high school student athletes across the state of Ohio in perpetuity is incredible,” — Luke Fedlam, Attorney for Jamier Brown
