Before the Los Angeles Rams opened training camp at Loyola Marymount University, another elite group of football players put their athleticism and passion for the game on display at Sullivan Field.
The Overtime OT7 Finals brought more than 50 high school-aged prospects currently ranked in the Top247 for the Class of 2027 or the Class of 2028 to participate in a three-day, 7-on-7 tournament. The finals on June 13, 2026, and the championship game on June 14, were shown on NBC and Peacock.
“Hosting the OT7 Finals was more than a championship weekend,” said Trish Carlson, senior director of Signature Events at LMU. “It was an opportunity to showcase LMU on a national stage, create purposeful revenue for the university, and provide our students with hands-on experiences that support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.”
OT7 offers a fast-paced, helmet-off style of football. Now in its fifth edition, more than 30% of OT7 players have been drafted into the NFL, making every game a glimpse into the future of college and pro football.
Samuel Asrat, YEAR/MAJOR, joined the OT7 event as an events assistant. “I worked for a week with them, focusing on the Adidas Lounge, a part of the rest/relax area for the players, coaches, and their families to use throughout the week,” Asrat said. “Before the games started, I assisted with helping Adidas unbox, set up, and organize all their product, merch, and shoes.”
The student-led crew makes specific bags for each team with their product, as well as for individual players.
Asrat said that it “was great to see behind the scenes of such a big sports company and event. Seeing the players’ brand partnerships in real time was a really cool experience, as I learned what it meant to be signed to a brand and what that offers.”
He said the assignment “opened my eyes to how much work and effort go into these events that never get seen, as they transformed the field, the gym, and a parking lot into a major TV- ready event.”