Hocker's Busy Summer Includes Upcoming Olympics, Decision On Whether To Stay In Eugene, And Navigating New Name, Image, Likeness Opportunities

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

University of Oregon sophomore Cole Hocker has plenty on his mind this week as he prepares to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games in the 1,500 meters. 

The meet in Japan is big, but it's not the only thing. 

Hocker continues to be peppered with questions about his intention to stay put at Oregon or accept a shoe deal and turn professional. 

On Monday, while addressing the media, Hocker said he is "talking to everyone I can about it," but is still undecided and will wait until after the Games to make, or announce, his path forward. 

One thing that is squarely on the table as of July 1 is the ability to cash in on the NCAA's new Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rule that have thrown open the doors for athletes to make money through endorsements, public appearances and other business ventures. 

Hocker, whose name is as hot as any collegiate track athlete in the country, is among the first to dip a toe in the NIL era of NCAA sports by selling a T-shirt. 

It is unclear whether he could sign a shoe deal and remain in college. And his understanding of the new rules procludes him from hiring an agent. 

"There are a lot of new things we're trying to figure out, with marketing," Hocker said. "Oregon's going to be first on it, with a lot of high-profile athletes and media (attention)."

Hocker starred in high school at Cathedral High in Indianapolis, where he was a Foot Locker Cross Country champion. At Oregon, he was still getting adjusted to collegiate racing when the pandemic shut things down in March of 2020. 

He emerged in January of 2021 as breakout star on the college scene and won NCAA Indoor titles in the Mile and 3,000, and then won the NCAA Outdoor title in the 1,500 meters. 

His stature – and yes, brand – only grew with his victory at the U.S. Olympic Trials. 

Hocker said he has taken some much needed down time and worked on "sharpening" ahead of his July 28 departure for Tokyo. 

"We have really good recovery built into our training," Hocker said. "It allows for these long seasons. And a little over a month of no racing, it's a big down time."

Despite not having any international racing experience, the 20-year old said he was ready for the challenge that lies ahead at the Olympics.

"You're either fit or you're not, and I'm the fittest I've ever been," he said. "We are gearing workouts toward faster paces and whatever we have to do to contend with the top guys in the world."