Express signs NIL with youngest athlete partner, Ethan Grunkemeyer

Columbus-based fashion retailer Express has partnered with future Penn State Quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer as its latest collegiate athlete style ambassador.

Officially the youngest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partner to sign with the retailer's program, the Ohio student-athlete is considered to be among the top ten college football quarterback recruits.

Prior to signing with Penn State University and becoming an official Nittany Lion, Grunkmeyer visited an Express store to be styled for the event and shared news of his partnership with Express via social media.

The move marks the first time that Express partnered with a high school student-athlete and sees Grunkmeyer follow in the footsteps of former collegiate athlete style ambassadors for Express Ohio State stars C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

“I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and am thrilled to be working with Express,” said Ethan Grunkemeyer in a statement. “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.”

Grunkemeyer's partnership with Express highlights the retailer's ongoing commitment to building confidence and inspiring self-expression on and off the field among athletes.

"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," said Sara Tervo, Express' executive vice president and chief marketing officer in a statement.

Via this new partnership, Grunkemeyer aims to firmly establish his unique identity as a sports figure while also highlighting the importance of fostering self-assurance at various life stages in collaboration with Express. His social-first campaign with Express will be prominently showcased across the retailer's channels and talent channels, leveraging the athlete’s influence on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

The announcement comes as Express expanded its NIL portfolio of ambassadors by bringing on board several men's basketball players earlier this year. This expansion includes Jahvon Quinerly from Alabama, Justice Sueing from Ohio State, Keyonte George from Baylor, and Nick Smith from Arkansas.