WWE continues to strengthen its future roster through its innovative Next In Line (NIL) program, designed to scout and nurture collegiate athletes for professional wrestling careers. On Wednesday afternoon, WWE’s Recruit account on X announced the latest group of graduates from the NIL program, spotlighting seven talented athletes who are poised to make their mark in the wrestling world.
The 2024 graduating class features:
- Bayley Humphrey from Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling
- Darci Khan from Howard University Track and Field
- Jeremy Cody from University of Miami Track and Field
- Abby Jacobs from University of South Alabama Soccer
- Carlos Aviles from Ohio State University Track and Field
- Jaiden Fields from University of Georgia Softball
- Sirena Linton from University of Arkansas Gymnastics
The Growth of WWE’s NIL Program
Founded in December 2021, WWE’s NIL program has steadily expanded, signing collegiate athletes from various sports backgrounds in 2022 and 2023. The program aims to provide a pipeline for athletes to transition from collegiate sports to professional wrestling, ensuring WWE has a diverse and robust talent pool for the future.
The 2024 WWE Next In Line Graduating Class 🎓
1. Bayley Humphrey – @BaylorAcroTumb
2. Darci Khan – @HUBisonTFXC
3. @Jeremy_cody – @CanesTrack
4. @abbyjjacobs – @SouthAlabamaSOC pic.twitter.com/QDJkQPdDcg
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) June 26, 2024
5. @AvilesCarlos75 – @OhioStateTFXC
6. @JaidenFields – @UGASoftball
7. @sirenalinton – @RazorbackGym pic.twitter.com/ayFNP1CqHB
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) June 26, 2024
One of the most notable additions to the program has been the Cavender Twins, Haley and Hanna, who were part of WWE’s inaugural NIL class. While the twins are expected to join WWE full-time after completing their final year of college basketball at the University of Miami, they have already made appearances on “NXT” TV, giving fans a glimpse of their potential in the wrestling ring.
Success Stories from the NIL Program
The most successful transition from the NIL program to WWE to date is “NXT” star Oba Femi. A member of the inaugural NIL class, Femi debuted in “NXT” in April 2023. By the end of the year, he had already won the Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament and went on to defeat Dragon Lee to become the NXT North American Champion, a title he still holds.
Stephen’s Insight
The NIL program is a testament to WWE’s commitment to evolving its talent acquisition strategies and ensuring a steady influx of new and diverse talent. By recruiting collegiate athletes with different sporting backgrounds, WWE is not only broadening its talent pool but also bringing in fresh perspectives and skills to the ring. The 2024 graduating class of the NIL program is another step towards securing WWE’s future as a leader in sports entertainment.