After using the Air Max 95 for last year’s Yardrunners releases, Nike is going with the Air Max 97 for 2026. Five HBCUs are part of the new collection: Clark Atlanta, North Carolina A&T, Tuskegee, Coppin State, and Mississippi Valley State, with a different colorway made for each school.

School colors shape the look of every pair, along with logos and mascot details worked into the design. Clark Atlanta uses Challenge Red, black, and Metallic Silver, while North Carolina A&T mixes Sail with Varsity Maize and Sport Royal. Coppin State goes with Global Blue, Midwest Gold, and Blue Void.

Mississippi Valley State gets one of the brighter pairs in the group, combining Court Green with Light Crimson and black. Tuskegee takes a different route with a mostly white and black build, finished with Topaz and Brickhouse accents across the Air Max 97’s layered upper.

Last year’s Yardrunners collection centered around the Air Max 95, with pairs made for Spelman College, Morehouse College, Norfolk State University, and Florida A&M University. The switch to the Air Max 97 brings another classic runner into the series while adding a new group of HBCUs to the lineup.

The Nike Air Max 97 Yardrunners Collection releases during Holiday 2026 through Nike and select retailers. All five pairs will be available in unisex sizing for $190 each.

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