- CELSIUS announced college football standouts Dante Moore, Bryce Underwood, Chris Henry Jr., and Cam Coleman as the core athletes for its 2026 college football NIL roster.
- The campaign centers on game day storytelling, social media content, and campus activations promoting the brand's "LIVE. FIT. GO." lifestyle.
- Quarterback Bryce Underwood renews his existing partnership with the beverage giant, while Moore, Henry Jr., and Coleman join the brand for the first time.
- The roster highlights top players from powerhouse Big Ten and SEC programs following the drink's NSF Certified for Sport distinction.
Energy drink brand CELSIUS has officially announced its 2026 college football NIL roster. The dynamic class features four of the nation’s top college football stars: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., and Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman.
The multi-athlete partnership focuses on digital media, campus experiences, and game day activations designed around the brand’s “LIVE. FIT. GO.” philosophy. The launch builds directly on the brand’s recent NSF Certified for Sport verification.
Each player enters the 2026 season with major on-field achievements. Moore led Oregon to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance in 2025, tossing 30 touchdowns and 3,565 yards.
Underwood enters his sophomore year after a stellar freshman run with Michigan where he recorded 2,428 passing yards and 17 total touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Coleman joined Texas after racking up over 1,300 receiving yards in two seasons at Auburn, and five-star recruit Henry prepares for his much-anticipated Ohio State freshman debut.
These athletes already command high market value across collegiate sports. Earlier in the year, Dante Moore, Cam Coleman, Chris Henry Jr. and others joined Nike’s football NIL roster, reinforcing their status among the most marketable names in sports.
Underwood remains the sole returning member from CELSIUS’ prior college roster, while Moore, Coleman, and Henry make their brand debuts.
CELSIUS continues to expand its reach by pairing high-energy lifestyle marketing with elite performers. The brand has partnered with major athletes like boxer Amanda Serrano, gymnast Frederick Richard, and quarterback Jalen Milroe.
On a global level, Diplo, Weston McKennie, Declan Rice, and Hirving Lozano starred in CELSIUS’ World Cup campaign, blending sports and entertainment.
Takeaways
This 2026 campaign shows how NIL marketing has evolved from simple social media promotions into fully integrated lifestyle branding. By selecting top-tier quarterbacks and playmaking receivers from powerhouse teams in the Big Ten and SEC, CELSIUS connects directly with millions of passionate college fans every Saturday.
Furthermore, pairing fresh faces like Dante Moore, Cam Coleman, and Chris Henry Jr. with returning ambassador Bryce Underwood gives the brand both continuity and new excitement.
As energy drink brands fight for market share among younger consumers, locking down the biggest stars in college football ensures CELSIUS stays at the center of campus culture.
How will multi-athlete NIL rosters change the way lifestyle beverage brands compete on college campuses? How does stacking major deals with both Nike and CELSIUS boost a player’s commercial value ahead of the NFL Draft?
