Jamaica’s Jasauna Dennis has signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with global sports brand Puma. The Jamaican sprinter, who competes for the University of South Carolina, shared the news on his social media platforms. The deal comes as Dennis continues to build his profile on the track following strong performances at the junior and senior levels.
Dennis attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Jamaica and has developed into one of the country’s leading 400m athletes. He holds a personal best of 45.38 seconds in the event, set during the 2024 season.
Jasauna Dennis Announces the Puma Partnership
Dennis made the announcement through a post on his social media page, where he reflected on his journey and the meaning of the partnership.
“Proud to announce that I’ve signed an NIL deal with Puma. From wearing Puma in high school to chasing this dream every step of my track journey. What started as admiration is now a partnership.”
The post highlighted his long connection with the brand, dating back to his high school years in Jamaica. The NIL agreement allows Dennis to officially partner with Puma while continuing his college career.
Understanding What an NIL Deal Means
An NIL deal allows college athletes to earn income from their name, image, and likeness. This can include brand endorsements, social media promotions, public appearances, and other approved activities. Athletes are able to take part in these opportunities while keeping their NCAA eligibility.
For Dennis, the deal with Puma represents a formal relationship with a brand he has worn throughout his development as an athlete.
Roots at St. Elizabeth Technical High School
Dennis attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. During his time there, he began to stand out as a 400m runner and laid the foundation for his future career. His progression from the Jamaican high school system to college athletics in the United States reflects a path taken by many Jamaican track athletes.
His connection to Puma began during these early years, as noted in his social media message announcing the NIL deal.
Collegiate Career at the University of South Carolina
Dennis currently competes for the University of South Carolina. While running for the program, he has continued to improve his times and gain experience at major meets.
At the 2025 SEC Indoor Championships, he ran an indoor personal best of 46.32 seconds in the preliminaries before lowering that time to 46.02 seconds later in the competition. These performances added to his growing reputation as a consistent 400m runner.
Junior Pan American Games Gold in Asuncion
In 2025, Dennis won the gold medal in the men’s 400m at the II Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion. He crossed the line in 45.56 seconds, setting a new junior Pan American record.
After the race, Dennis spoke to the media about his experience and effort leading up to the win.
“I came working against all odds and I’m grateful. I feel satisfied with all this work; I’m grateful that everything came together perfectly for this victory,” he said after the race.
The performance added another major title to his record and confirmed his place among the top junior 400m athletes in the region.
Relay Success on the World Stage
Dennis has also been part of Jamaica’s relay teams at major international events. At the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, he earned a silver medal as a member of the men’s 4x400m relay team.
Earlier in his career, he won silver in the men’s 4x400m relay and bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. These results show his value not only as an individual runner but also as a relay team member.
Why the Puma NIL Deal Matters
The NIL deal with Puma comes at a time when Dennis is gaining attention through steady performances and international results. The partnership aligns with his history of wearing the brand and his current role as a college athlete competing at a high level.
As NIL opportunities continue to grow in college sports, deals like this reflect how athletes can connect their performance, personal story, and brand relationships.
