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Ohio Lawmakers Propose Ban on High School NIL Deals
St. Xavier coach and Mason superintendent testify in support of bill to prohibit name, image and likeness payments for student-athletes
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban name, image and likeness (NIL) deals for high school athletes in the state. St. Xavier High School football coach Steve Specht and Mason City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Cooper testified in support of the proposed legislation, citing concerns about the lack of 'guardrails' around NIL payments and the potential for a 'pay-to-play' culture.
Why it matters
The proposed ban on high school NIL deals comes in response to an emergency referendum passed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association in November that would allow student-athletes to accept such endorsement deals. Supporters of the new bill argue that NIL payments could lead to recruiting violations and undermine the integrity of high school sports.
The details
House Bill 661, introduced by Reps. Adam Bird and Mike Odioso, would prohibit high school and younger athletes from entering into NIL agreements. Specht and Cooper testified that they have seen some positive aspects of college athletes profiting from their name, image and likeness, but they are concerned about the lack of regulations, the potential for pay-to-play scenarios, and the impact on team culture and student development.
- The Ohio House of Representatives' Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 661 on February 17, 2026.
- The OHSAA passed an emergency referendum in November 2025 to allow high school athletes to accept NIL deals.
The players
Steve Specht
Head football coach at St. Xavier High School.
Jonathan Cooper
Superintendent of Mason City Schools.
Adam Bird
Republican state representative from New Richmond, Ohio.
Mike Odioso
Republican state representative from Green Township, Ohio.
Jamier Brown
Ohio State University football commit who played for Dayton's Wayne High School and plans to play his senior season at Big Walnut High School.
What they’re saying
“When a young person, through name, image and likeness, if they're selling his jersey for X amount, I believe he deserves a cut of that. When one of my young men is getting paid $250,000 as an unproven freshman, I even look sideways at that. It's been out of control.”
— Steve Specht, Head football coach, St. Xavier High School (dispatch.com)
“Conversations around personal branding and social media presence are beginning to intersect with team culture and developmental priorities in our district.”
— Jonathan Cooper, Superintendent, Mason City Schools (dispatch.com)
What’s next
The Ohio House of Representatives' Education Committee will continue to consider House Bill 661, which aims to ban high school athletes from entering into name, image and likeness deals.
The takeaway
The debate over name, image and likeness payments for high school athletes continues, with supporters of the proposed ban arguing that it is necessary to maintain the integrity of high school sports and prevent a 'pay-to-play' culture, while opponents contend that student-athletes should be able to profit from their talents. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for the future of high school athletics in Ohio.
