Just In: Top Florida wide receivers key duo ink deals with American Eagle

In Florida, standout 2025 recruits Jaime Ffrench and Vernell Brown are creating a groundbreaking moment in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) history. The two talented wide receivers have secured sponsorship deals with American Eagle, as reported on X by their 7-on-7 program, South Florida Express. This announcement follows the recent approval of extensive bylaw changes by the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors. These changes now permit student-athletes to engage in NIL activities without jeopardizing their eligibility to compete in high school sports.

The unanimous vote to pass this new policy followed a 45-minute discussion, during which a coach expressed opposition to the bylaw amendment. The rule will be effective for the 2024-25 high school season.

Ffrench, a highly-rated five-star recruit in the 2025 class, recently visited LSU and is currently being closely pursued by Texas, the presumed front-runner for the 6-foot-1, 184-pound receiver. Meanwhile, his 7-on-7 teammate Brown, a four-star recruit and top-100 prospect, is also making waves with his potential.

Partners in crime in a class all their own 🔥🦅 @AEO #AEPartner @jaimeffrenchjr @VB3_9 pic.twitter.com/tUPX1GZbi0

— SFE (@SouthFLExpress) June 4, 2024

Could Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) influence their decisions?

Ohio State is considered the frontrunner in the competition to recruit Vernell Brown, particularly following the receiver’s visit to Columbus over the weekend. Ffrench and Brown, both esteemed top-100 prospects, stand out as among the initial high school athletes to sign NIL agreements in Florida. Additionally, they participated in the On3 Elite Series event in Nashville, a seminar that provided guidance to elite 2025 high school football recruits on topics such as NIL opportunities, entrepreneurial skills, and planning for life beyond football.

Ffrench emphasized the importance of ensuring proper treatment wherever they choose to go, highlighting the significance of this aspect in today’s college football landscape. He expressed the need to find a balance between off-field endorsements and on-field performance.

Notably, American Eagle had prior collaborations with Ohio State players TreVeyon Henderson and Denzel Burke in July 2022. The brand also recently joined forces with promising Five-Star Plus+ freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith through a partnership facilitated by The Foundation, an organization centered around Ohio State athletics.

Where is NIL permitted at the high school level?

Following Florida’s adjustment, 36 local athletic associations now authorize high school student-athletes to engage in NIL agreements. The state of Florida consistently nurtures top-tier high school recruits across various sports. For instance, the 2025 football class in Florida boasts four five-star prospects, with Solomon Thomas ranked as the nation’s top linebacker, alongside 56 players rated four stars or higher. In basketball, Florida’s 2025 class includes two five-star talents, such as standout Cameron Boozer from Five-Star Plus+.

Where are high school athletes barred from NIL opportunities?

In June 2024, the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors revised its regulations to permit high school student-athletes to partake in NIL activities while retaining their eligibility status.

With this modification, 36 local athletic associations now empower student-athletes to engage in NIL deals without jeopardizing their participation in high school sports.

The precise count of high school associations embracing NIL remains somewhat unclear due to restrictions in certain areas and pending state laws. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable shift in the past year regarding how high school authorities approach NIL, with the majority of states now allowing it nationwide. Nevertheless, there remain 14 state associations – including a few from prominent talent-producing regions – where NIL remains off-limits for athletes aspiring to compete in prep sports.

On3 investigates the current situation in these states to observe if any potential adjustments are on the horizon:

Alabama