Sports · Running & Athletics · 1 hr ago
Nick Griggs leaves Puma to run for Oregon amid NCAA eligibility debate
Irish runner Nick Griggs has left Puma to compete for the University of Oregon in US college cross-country under coach Jerry Schumacher.
At 21, he has already run world-class times and previously competed as a professional athlete.
Griggs says he dreamed of racing in the NCAA since he was 14, but his brother's death in a workplace accident made him stay close to his parents.
His move has drawn criticism from people who think former professionals should not compete in college, but Griggs says he is taking an opportunity the rules allow.
A knee problem cost him six weeks of training, though he is back running and surprised by his fitness.
He may race at the NCAA championships if he can help Oregon contend for the team title, and his main goal is to win the individual crown.
Irish distance runner Nick Griggs left his professional career with Puma to compete for the University of Oregon.
The 21-year-old joined Oregon under coach Jerry Schumacher during the 2026 NCAA cross-country season.
Griggs said a family tragedy had earlier kept him from pursuing his childhood dream of competing in the NCAA.
His move has drawn criticism from people who believe former professionals should not compete in the NCAA.
Griggs said his main goal is to win the NCAA individual cross-country title.
- Who
- Nick Griggs, a 21-year-old Irish distance runner.
- What
- He left Puma’s professional ranks to compete for the University of Oregon.
- When
- During the 2026 NCAA cross-country season; the interview was published on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- At the University of Oregon in the United States.
- Why
- He said he had long dreamed of competing in the NCAA and wants to win the individual cross-country title.
Critics of former professionals competing in the NCAA
Nick Griggs
Eligibility
Critics of former professionals competing in the NCAA
They believe former professionals should not compete in the NCAA.
Nick Griggs
Griggs understands the controversy but is not apologizing for taking the opportunity.
After watching Morgan McDonald win an NCAA title, Griggs began dreaming of competing in the NCAA.
After his 19-year-old brother Josh died in a workplace accident, Griggs said he did not think he should go to the United States.
Griggs had a patellar tracking problem that cost him six weeks of training.
Griggs left his professional career with Puma to compete for Oregon.
LetsRun reported on an interview in which Griggs discussed his move and the eligibility controversy.
- Age
- 21
- Nationality
- Irish
- Previous team
- Puma
- College team
- University of Oregon
- Coach
- Jerry Schumacher
- Personal bests
- 3:35 for 1500 meters, 7:32 for 3000 meters and 13:05 for 5000 meters
What people are saying
Don’t hate the player, hate the game
I wasn’t going to leave my parents behind … they only had two sons.