Top High School Football Prospects Headed to Nike's The Opening Finals

120 athletes from regional events across the country will compete at Nike's campus in Beaverton, Oregon.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented high school football game, with overlapping shapes and planes in the teams' official colors, conveying the energy and intensity of the competition.The Opening Finals showcase will bring together the nation's top high school football talent in a dynamic, competitive environment.Beaverton Today

Nike Football has revived The Opening, a prestigious high school football showcase, after a six-year hiatus. Regional events in seven cities will determine 120 top skill position prospects who will advance to the Finals at Nike's campus in Beaverton, Oregon on June 24-26. The Opening has helped launch the careers of over 400 NFL players, including stars like Patrick Surtain II, Ja'Marr Chase, Saquon Barkley, and Derrick Henry.

Why it matters

The Opening is one of the premier high school football showcases, providing a platform for top prospects to compete and showcase their talents in front of college coaches and NFL scouts. Participation can significantly boost a player's recruitment and exposure, potentially leading to scholarship offers and future professional opportunities.

The details

The regional events will take place in seven cities - Miami, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Atlanta, New Orleans, New York, and Dallas. Top skill position players will compete in drills, 1-on-1 matchups, and 7-on-7 games. From these regional events, 120 athletes will be selected to advance to the Finals at Nike's campus in Beaverton, Oregon on June 24-26.

  • The regional events began in January 2026.
  • The Opening Finals will take place on June 24-26, 2026 in Beaverton, Oregon.

The players

Patrick Surtain II

A 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and prominent alumnus of The Opening program.

Ja'Marr Chase

A two-time All-Pro and former participant in The Opening.

Saquon Barkley

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year and The Opening alumnus.

Derrick Henry

A two-time NFL rushing yards leader who also attended The Opening.

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What’s next

The 120 athletes selected for The Opening Finals will compete at Nike's campus in Beaverton, Oregon on June 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The revival of The Opening showcase provides a valuable platform for top high school football talent to showcase their skills and gain exposure, potentially leading to college scholarships and professional opportunities. The program's impressive alumni list underscores its significance in the development of future NFL stars.