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Adidas signs top recruits to NIL deals as part of Adizero Class of 2025

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•06/27/25•

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Adidas signs top recruits to NIL deals as part of Adizero Class of 2025
Courtesy of adidas

For the second straight year, adidas is making a major investment in the high school NIL space. The brand announced six top recruits will be part of its Adizero Class of 2025 – with an emphasis on speed.

Five highly rated wide receivers are part of the group of NIL deals, headlined by five-star LSU commit and top wide receiver prospect Tristen Keys. No. 1-ranked linebacker Tyler Atkinson is also on board, giving adidas two of the 10 highest-rated 2026 recruits on its growing athlete roster.

Ohio State wide receiver commits Chris Henry Jr. and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt are both part of the initiative, as is Texas A&M commit Madden Williams. Five-star receiver Calvin Russell, who ranks as the No. 4-ranked wide receiver in the country, rounds out the group.

The members of adidas’ Adizero class will participate in campaigns throughout the year and represent the brand throughout their respective 2025 seasons. Keys and Henry also recently starred in an ad promoting the Adizero Electric II Exotic Speed cleats.

Adidas capitalizing on 2026 WR star power

Chris Henry Jr., Tyler Atkinson, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Madden Williams initially signed with adidas last year as part of the company’s Adizero 7 roster. They are all back for Year 2 as part of the campaign.

He has a $565,000 On3 NIL Valuation, which puts him at No. 16 in the high school football NIL rankings. Henry is the son of late Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry and recently shut down his recruitment, reaffirming his commitment to Ryan Day and Ohio State.

Tristen Keys – who has a $536,000 On3 NIL Valuation – signed an NIL deal with adidas earlier this month as he gets ready for his senior season at Hattiesburg (Miss.), where he’s a the No. 5 overall player from the 2026 cycle. As a junior, he hauled in 58 receptions for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns. His ability to make contested catches stood out, as well as his athleticism. Keys also impressed in the high jump and triple jump while also playing basketball.

Adidas now adds even more up-and-coming talent to its athlete roster. The brand signed top NFL Draft prospects such as Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter as they get ready to start their professional careers. NFL stars such as Patrick Mahomes and Amon-Ra St. Brown also highlight the company’s investment in football.