Miami QB Cam Ward inks NIL deal with adidas

Adidas is making a return to college football. A year after signing the Washington quarterback-wide receiver duo of Michael Penix and Rome Odunze, the sneaker giant has inked a season-long NIL contract with Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Since Miami is an adidas school, Ward can easily promote the three stripes. Adidas has ramped up its NIL activity in the last 30 months, launching a nationwide ambassador program and signing a handful of basketball players.

The former no-star recruit and Washington State transfer has shot up NFL draft boards this season. Viewed as a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at the midseason mark, he’s thrown for 2,538 yards with 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

The Miami quarterback was 21 of 32 for 319 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 52-45 win at Louisville over the weekend. The Hurricanes are No. 6 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, positioned for an ACC title run and College Football Playoff berth.

Viewed by many coaches as a “baller,” the Incarnate Word star turned Washington State starter has the Hurricanes at 7-0. With more than 98,000 social media followers, Ward’s platform has taken off with his on-field success and the backing of the Miami brand.

Cam Ward has an On3 NIL Valuation of $2 million which ranks No. 6 in college football. The valuation is No. 10 in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and de facto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.

The On3 NIL Valuation is calculated by combining roster value and personal NIL. Roster value is the value an athlete has by being a member of his or her team at his or her school, which factors into the role of NIL collectives. NIL in an athlete’s name, image and likeness and the value it could bring to regional and national brands outside of the scope of NIL collectives.

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