‘Time for the next chapter’: Ja’Kobe Tharp signs pro contract with Adidas, forgoing senior year at Auburn
The world record holder in the 110-meter hurdles is now a full-time professional.
It’s full speed ahead for Ja’Kobe Tharp.
And it’s a full-time focus on track and field now, with the 2028 Olympics just two years away.
Tharp, Auburn’s all-world hurdler and multi-time NCAA champion, announced Wednesday afternoon that he has signed a professional contract with Adidas. He will be forgoing his senior year of NCAA eligibility.
Tharp closed his junior season at Auburn with a national title in the 110-meter hurdles June 12 at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Between indoor and outdoor seasons, that win marked his fourth consecutive national championship in the hurdles.
“I’m beyond grateful to announce that I’m officially taking the next step and pursuing my professional track and field career with adidas,” he said in his announcement.
Tharp collegiate championships
2024 SEC Outdoor Champion (110-meter hurdles)
2025 SEC Indoor Champion (60-meter hurdles)
2025 NCAA Indoor Champion (60-meter hurdles)
2025 NCAA Outdoor Champion (110-meter hurdles)
2026 SEC Indoor Champion (60-meter hurdles)
2026 NCAA Indoor Champion (60-meter hurdles)
2026 SEC Outdoor Champion (110-meter hurdles)
2026 NCAA Outdoor Champion (110-meter hurdles)
As for the Auburn side of the move: