Degree Deodorant announces second edition of Breaking Limits NIL team

Degree is making its second foray into the NIL space.

The deodorant company has announced the second edition of its Breaking Limits NIL team, which ensures college athletes have the opportunity to benefit from their work on and off the field. Eighteen student-athletes have been added to the team, joining a list of 11 athletes who are still eligible from last year’s inaugural class.

Degree has made an effort to make a difference in the NIL Era, too. Roughly 66% off all NIL compensation through May was credited to football and men’s basketball athletes, per data provided by Opendorse. Athletes chosen by Degree come from a diverse set of schools, sports and backgrounds. They also have access to the company’s Instagram to share their stories with an “emphasis on instilling confidence in breaking down barriers.”

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The company has made a commitment to setting athletes up for post-grad success. The selected student-athletes will have access to a mentorship program with Unilever executives. And in keeping with setting a precedent in NIL, Degree is paying its men and women selections an equitable wage.

Degree is the United States version of the antiperspirant company Rexona, which is owned by British conglomerate Unilever. While the Breaking Limits team is a NIL partnership for college athletes, it is a coaching and mentorship program in other countries, such as Britain and South Africa.

Breaking Limits 2022 NIL roster

The 18 student-athletes added who have signed deals with Degree represent different gender, race, LGBTQIA+ communities, sports, geographies and ability levels.

Here is a list of the new names on Degree’s Breaking Limits NIL team:

• Abby Bauleke – Wheelchair Basketball, Alabama  
• Abraham Montano – Football, Fresno State 
• Caroline Ducharme – Women’s Basketball, UConn 
• Chucky Hepburn – Men’s Basketball, Wisconsin
• Edriss Ndiaye – Fencing, Ohio State 
• Griffin Brooks – Men’s Diving, Princeton 
• Jameson Wang – Football, Cornell 
• Jayda Coleman – Softball, Oklahoma 
• Jordan Chiles – Women’s Gymnastics, UCLA 
• Junior Colson – Football, Michigan 
• Kayleigh Truong – Women’s Basketball, Gonzaga
• Kaylynne Truong – Women’s Basketball, Gonzaga
• Langston Wilson – Men’s Basketball, Washington  
• Lexi Ellis – Track & Field, Oregon  
• Marlee Smith –Wrestling, Arizona State 
• Peyton Sippy – Women’s Cross Country, Wisconsin 
• Ryan Hilinski – Football, Northwestern 
• Sydni Black – Women’s Lacrosse, Loyola Marymount  

Another 11 players from last year’s team are still current student-athletes and are in partnership with Degree:

• Adrian Martinez – Football, Kansas State
• Asjia O’Neal – Women’s Volleyball, Texas 
• Ayoka Lee – Women’s Basketball, Kansas State 
• Bailey Moody – Wheelchair Basketball, Alabama 
• Charlotte Teeter – Women’s Soccer, Texas Tech 
• Charlie Easley – Men’s Basketball, South Dakota State 
• Chase Griffin – Football, UCLA 
• Chayla Edwards – Women’s Ice Hockey, Wisconsin 
• Gloria Mutiri – Women’s Volleyball, Oregon
• Nimari Burnett – Men’s Basketball, Alabama 
• Saquan Singleton – Men’s Basketball, George Mason 

This year’s roster is not finished adding athletes, though. Degree also announced Tuesday that athletes can share their stories on Degree’s Instagram. The selection process begins Aug. 2. The application deadline is Aug. 17. Applications will be reviewed and entries selected will have an opportunity to join the Breaking Limits teams.