(pics courtesy of PRNewswire/Univ. of Florida)

The Days of Hungry College Student-Athletes are Over!

Well at least for the Buckeyes, Gators, and Bulldogs.

For the 2025–26 academic year, every scholarship and walk-on student‑athlete at The Ohio State University, University of Florida, and University of Georgia will receive one free entrée per week for 15 weeks, thanks to a custom Chipotle card—a ground-breaking new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiative that’s as generous as it is unconventional.

This move is a masterstroke in NIL evolution—feeding athletes, fueling brand storytelling, and fostering goodwill.

It also taps into Chipotle’s growing cultural status among young people, and college-aged adults.

Why Not my School? I like Chipotle...

Now you may be a student-athlete reading this, and thinking "I like Chipotle. Why isn't this deal available for all college student-athletes?" 

Great question.

Chipotle found that all (3) universities were in the Top 30 of four-year universities who ate the most Chipotle. Plus, it doesn't hurt that each university has well-rounded men's and women's sports programs and compete in the Top 2 Conferences in all of college sports.

• 98% of OSU athletes eat Chipotle at least once a month

• 94% of Florida’s athletes rank Chipotle among their top three favorite restaurants

• Nearly 80% of UGA athletes say Chipotle is a key part of their training diet

"Our restaurants near each of these universities are frequently filled with student athletes looking for a quick and nutritious meal that can help them thrive in the classroom and on the field," said Chris Brandt, President, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. "By expanding our college card program to three universities this academic year, we're democratizing NIL for nearly 2,000 student athletes and increasing their access to real food when they need it the most."

For fans, Chipotle's move is a bold reminder that college athletes now play—and get rewarded—in ways never possible before.

For brands, it’s a blueprint on how genuine engagement and values-driven marketing can score big.

What does each student-athlete receive?

*Personalized Chipotle meal card.

*One FREE entree per week.

*(15) FREE meals per semester.

3 powerhouse universities and 1 massive NIL brand partnership. This is proof that some universities and brands, are starting to get smart, and stretch the possibilities of what NIL can be.

FREE Chipotle for all. Now that's something to write home about.

We can't wait to see what universities and brands, decide to make the next big NIL splash.

Student-Athlete Reminder:

It's also key for student-athletes to remember, that no student-athlete needs an invitation to create a meal-deal, with a dining establishment near their school or university.

All you need is an athletes spirit and a great idea to bring their business more money.

Good Luck!