Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt Lands Groundbreaking Endorsement Deal with Adidas, Ushering in New Era for Sun Devil Athletics
Arizona State University is basking in the glow of a landmark achievement as star quarterback Sam Leavitt has inked a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Adidas, marking the largest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement in the school’s history. The announcement, made official on Friday morning, sent waves through the college football landscape, cementing Leavitt’s status not only as a formidable talent on the field but also as a marketable icon in the world of collegiate athletics.
Leavitt, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Michigan State, has become the face of ASU’s football resurgence. In just one season in Tempe, he led the Sun Devils to a 9-3 regular season record, the program’s best since 2014. Known for his poise in the pocket, electric arm, and dual-threat capabilities, Leavitt threw for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 600 yards and 9 scores. His leadership and charisma have turned ASU into a Pac-12 title contender and injected fresh energy into the program.
The Adidas deal, estimated at $2.3 million over two years, positions Leavitt as one of the highest-paid college athletes in the nation under NIL regulations. It includes a custom apparel line, exclusive content collaborations, and community outreach initiatives focusing on youth sports in underserved Arizona communities. The agreement also signals Adidas’ deepening commitment to ASU athletics, coming just months after the company renewed its partnership with the university through 2030.
“This is more than a deal—it’s a partnership built on vision, values, and a shared passion for pushing boundaries,” said Leavitt during the official announcement at Sun Devil Stadium. “Adidas believes in what we’re building at ASU, and I’m honored to represent a brand that champions innovation, individuality, and performance.”
Adidas North America CEO Rupert Campbell described Leavitt as “a generational leader and playmaker” and praised his dedication both on and off the field. “Sam is the future of football,” Campbell noted. “His style, work ethic, and integrity align perfectly with our brand. Together, we aim to inspire a new wave of athletes.”
The deal is already reverberating across college football, as programs around the country recalibrate their NIL strategies. For Arizona State, the implications are monumental. Boosters, alumni, and prospective recruits view the endorsement as proof that ASU is no longer just a stepping-stone—it’s a premier destination for elite talent.
ASU Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, who played a pivotal role in recruiting Leavitt, called the deal “a turning point for our program.” “Sam earned this moment,” Dillingham said. “He’s elevated everyone around him. This isn’t just good for him—it’s great for our team, our school, and Sun Devil Nation.”
As the 2025 season looms, expectations in Tempe are soaring. But for Sam Leavitt, who now straddles the worlds of sports and branding, the pressure appears only to fuel his ascent. Arizona State isn’t just basking in the glow of a breakthrough—it’s blazing a trail into a bold new era.
