The Opening Finals: Updated 2026 roster

TL;DR

Nike Football has revived The Opening after six years, with regional events starting in January across seven cities. The top 120 athletes will compete in The Opening Finals from June 24-26 in Beaverton, Oregon.

Key points

Nike Football revived The Opening after a six-year hiatus
Regional events started in January across seven cities
120 athletes will compete in The Opening Finals in Beaverton, Oregon
The program has helped 428 athletes reach the NFL
Notable alumni include Patrick Surtain II and Ja'Marr Chase

Mentioned in this story

Nike FootballPhilip H. Knight CampusBeaverton, Oregon

The OpeningPatrick Surtain IIJa'Marr ChaseSaquon Barkley

Nike Football has revived The Opening after a six-year hiatus and regional events got underway in January.

Seven cities — Miami, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Atlanta, New Orleans, New York and Dallas — will host regionals, where top skill position prospects will come and compete in activities like the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle and other position-specific drills, as well as 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 matchups.

Out of all the athletes from these stops, 120 will proceed to The Opening Finals on June 24-26 at Nike’s Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, Oregon.

Since its inception in 2011, Nike’s The Opening has helped 428 former high school football athletes reach the NFL, including 95 first-round selections. Some of the program’s prominent alumni include 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, two-time All-Pro Ja’Marr Chase, reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, and two-time NFL rushing yards leader Derrick Henry.

Rivals is tracking who’s publicly announced an invite to the event thus far:

The Opening Finals Roster

Running Backs

Elijah Cromwell (2028)
School: Cherry Creek (Colo.)
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 76 NATL. (No. 7 RB)
Status: Uncommitted

Jaxsen Stokes
School: (Calif.) : No. 571 NATL. (No. 51 RB) Committed to Oklahoma

Q&A

What cities are hosting the regional events for The Opening 2026?

The regional events for The Opening 2026 are being held in Miami, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Atlanta, New Orleans, New York, and Dallas.

How many athletes will qualify for The Opening Finals in 2026?

A total of 120 athletes will qualify for The Opening Finals, which will take place from June 24-26, 2026.

What is the significance of Nike's The Opening for high school football players?

Nike's The Opening has helped 428 former high school football athletes reach the NFL, including 95 first-round selections, making it a significant platform for aspiring players.