News Summary
Walker Lyons, a sophomore tight end for the USC Trojans, has signed a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Southern California brand TravisMathew. This partnership marks Lyons as the first collegiate ambassador for the apparel company. With the Trojans holding a 4-1 season record, Lyons has emerged as a valuable player, contributing notably to the team’s offense. His growing social media presence and strategic partnerships highlight his potential in both athletics and marketing as he prepares for upcoming challenges in the season.
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Walker Lyons, a sophomore tight end for the USC Trojans, has cemented his position in the college football landscape by signing a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Southern California-based active lifestyle brand TravisMathew. This marks a significant step for Lyons as he becomes the first collegiate NIL brand ambassador for the apparel company.
Currently, the Trojans boast a 4-1 record for the season, and Lyons has established himself as a key target for quarterback Jayden Maiava. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 245 lbs, Lyons has made an impact on the field with 10 receptions totaling 107 yards and two touchdowns in just five games.
Lyons expressed his enthusiasm about joining TravisMathew, highlighting that their apparel resonates with his personal lifestyle. To celebrate this partnership, he recently visited the TravisMathew headquarters in Huntington Beach, CA, where he participated in a photoshoot showcasing various products, including those from their Collegiate Collection featuring USC gear.
Expansion of Brand Ambassadors
Lyons joins an esteemed group of notable brand ambassadors with TravisMathew, which includes Austin Reaves, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers; Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Champion; Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams; Reggie Bush, former NFL player; and Kealia Watt, former professional soccer player. This roster highlights Lyons’ growing prominence both on the field and in the marketing arena.
Support and Future Plans
Lyons is represented by Range Sports for his NIL dealings and has additional partnerships with Brooks Running and the House of Victory collective. His growing social media influence, with over 200,000 followers across platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, underscores his marketability. Lyons believes that social media plays a crucial role in marketing opportunities and future NIL partnerships.
In terms of performance, Lyons has demonstrated significant improvements since his freshman season, where he recorded only six catches for 36 yards. He has developed a successful tight end duo on the field alongside Lake McRee, which has significantly contributed to USC’s high-powered offense. In the Trojans’ most recent game, a loss to Illinois, Lyons registered four receptions for 39 yards.
Background Context on TravisMathew
TravisMathew has been expanding its presence in college athletics and previously sponsored top football recruit Jake Kruel‘s commitment to Oklahoma. Earlier this year, they also provided support to the USC Men’s Volleyball team. Leif Sunderland, Chief Marketing Officer of TravisMathew, noted that Lyons’ addition is representative of the brand’s initiative to connect with younger athletes and fans, amplifying their presence in collegiate sports.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the USC Trojans are set to face Michigan on October 11 at 7:30 PM ET on NBC. As Lyons continues to build momentum both on and off the field, his role as a key player for USC is expected to amplify as the season progresses.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Walker Lyons Signs NIL Partnership with TravisMathew
- On3: Walker Lyons Inks NIL Deal with TravisMathew
- SI: Walker Lyons Signs New NIL Deal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Name, Image, and Likeness
- Google Search: Walker Lyons USC Trojans
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
