On Signs Billah Jepkirui to Pro Contract
The Kenyan distance runner from Oklahoma State University joins On's roster of NIL athletes after a strong 2026 collegiate season.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Running
On has signed 24-year-old Kenyan runner Billah Jepkirui to a professional contract dated November 5, 2026. Jepkirui, a standout at Oklahoma State University, joins a group of On NIL athletes that includes Doris Lemngole, Hellen Obiri, Mercy Chepngeno, Marion Jepngetich, and Joy Naukot.
Why it matters
The deal reflects a recruitment drive that has made East African collegiate athletes a central part of On's US pipeline. The NIL arrangement lets On attach itself to Jepkirui while she is still a student, and On is first in line to sign her when she turns professional.
Jepkirui's 4:04.59 1,500m ranks fifth-fastest in NCAA history, and her 4:27.14 Indoor Mile earned national runner-up honors. Her OSU teammates' 8:16.65 4x800m relay was the second-fastest collegiate time on record, though the source does not disclose the NIL or contract financial terms.
The players
Billah Jepkirui
A 24-year-old Kenyan distance runner and standout at Oklahoma State University, she is among the top collegiate middle-distance athletes in NCAA history.
On
A Swiss sports brand known for its running shoes, On has built a growing roster of East African distance athletes through NIL and professional sponsorship deals.
The details
Jepkirui, who is majoring in Applied Exercise Science, was named Drake Relays Most Outstanding Performer and won the Distance Medley Relay crown. She also finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Timeline
April 2026: Jepkirui ran 4:04.59 at the Arkansas Spring Invitational.
April 2026: Jepkirui was named Drake Relays Most Outstanding Performer.
November 5, 2026: Jepkirui signed her professional contract with On.
Season Trajectory
Jepkirui's signing extends On's established pattern of recruiting East African collegiate runners through NIL deals before converting them to professional contracts. It places On among the brands competing to lock in top collegiate distance talent ahead of the professional transition.
For running fans and fantasy athletes following collegiate distance events, Jepkirui's results show a rising talent to track as she moves toward a professional career. The signing also signals which brand is positioned to sponsor her when she leaves school.
The takeaway
Collegiate NIL deals are becoming an early recruiting tool for footwear brands, letting them secure athletes years before they turn professional. Readers tracking distance running should watch which programs and brands capitalize on this pipeline.
Further reading
For more on the distance athletes shaping the sport, see our Running coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mozzart Sport Kenya.
