Miami's Cam Ward, Adidas Agree to Footwear, Apparel NIL Contract amid Breakout Year

University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward announced Wednesday that he has entered into a partnership with Adidas.

According to ESPN's Nick DePaula, Ward agreed to a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Adidas for footwear and apparel, and the Heisman Trophy candidate commented on the move, saying: "It's an honor to partner with a brand that sees [my] drive and supports me as I help build the legacy Adidas Football is creating."

The 22-year-old Ward is thriving in his first season with the Hurricanes, who are off to a 7-0 start and ranked No. 6 in the nation.

After starring for two seasons each at FCS Incarnate Word and then Washington State, Ward transferred to Miami, and he has taken his game to the next level with the Canes.

So far this season, Ward is completing 68.7 percent of his passes for an FBS-leading 2,538 yards and 24 touchdowns to go along with five interceptions. He has also rushed for 190 yards and three scores.

Those numbers coupled with Miami's undefeated record have Ward in the thick of the Heisman race along with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Each of Miami's past three wins have been by one score and have seen Ward come through in the clutch to lead the Hurricanes over Virginia Tech, California and Louisville.

Along with Ward going for the Heisman and Miami trending toward a College Football Playoff berth, Ward is positioning himself for a fruitful professional career as well.

When the 2024 college football season started, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Georgia's Carson Beck and Texas' Quinn Ewers were most often named as the likely top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft.

Ward wasn't in that discussion, but he has outplayed all of them this season and is undoubtedly in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick depending on which team secures that pick.

Should that happen, Adidas figures to get the most out of its working relationship with Ward since he would be among the most hyped young players in the NFL.