High School NIL Happenings

A new chapter in the evolution of high school sports is unfolding in Ohio.

Earlier this week, the family of Jamier Brown, one of the nation’s top high school wide receivers and an Ohio State commit, filed a lawsuit against the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). The case challenges OHSAA’s rule that prohibits high school athletes from profiting from their NIL which is a rule that still stands in only a few states across the country.

Brown’s case could become a landmark moment, not just for Ohio, but for how youth and high school sports evolve nationwide.

The Core of the Case

The lawsuit, filed on October 15, argues that OHSAA’s restrictions unfairly limit student athletes’ ability to build their brand and pursue legitimate opportunities that have been available to college athletes since 2021.

According to the filing, Brown has already lost over $100,000 in potential NIL revenue through legitimate endorsement and trading card deals, all being opportunities he says could help support his family, fund tutoring, and enhance his training.

As Brown put it:

“I want to use my platform to make a difference for athletes across the state. Like what’s allowed in other states, I want to be able to use my name, image, and likeness to help my family financially and get the extra academic help and football training that can help me maximize my potential.”

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a conversation about one athlete. It’s about redefining what education-based athletics means in the modern era.

The NCAA opened the door for NIL activity in 2021, and since then, over 40 state athletic associations have created frameworks allowing high school students to participate in NIL within specific boundaries.

Ohio’s current policy reflects a struggle between preserving amateur integrity and recognizing student athletes’ right to leverage their personal brand which is something their non-athlete peers have long been able to do.

If the court rules in Brown’s favor, Ohio will likely join the growing number of states finding a balance between opportunity and oversight.

The Broader Shift

The conversation has evolved beyond whether high school NIL should exist. That question has been answered by market demand, cultural awareness, and the reality that students are already building digital brands as content creators, influencers, and young entrepreneurs.

Now the focus must shift to education, policy, and protection:

• Education: Students and families must understand financial literacy, contracts, and personal branding before they engage.

• Policy: Clear, well-written guidelines are essential to maintain fairness and keep NIL separate from team-based recruiting or pay-for-play scenarios.

• Protection: Schools, associations, and mentors need to safeguard both opportunity and integrity through responsible frameworks.

Our Perspective

At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we believe education must come before monetization.

When handled responsibly, NIL can be a powerful tool for growth through teaching student athletes about business, personal values, and long-term brand development. But without proper guidance, it risks creating confusion, inequity, and unnecessary pressure on these young adults and their families.

That’s why this moment matters. What happens in Ohio will likely ripple across the country. The goal isn’t to commercialize high school sports; it’s to prepare students for the evolving realities of college, career, and leadership in the NIL era.

The future of NIL at the high school level isn’t just about deals. It’s about development, direction, and doing it right. NIL begins with education.