In a move that cements his status as one of college football’s rising stars, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has officially signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Adidas. The announcement not only bolsters Raiola’s off-field brand but also deepens the connection between Nebraska’s football program and the global sportswear giant.
A Record-Breaking Freshman Season Draws Corporate Spotlight
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Raiola burst onto the college football scene in 2024 with a record-setting season. As a true freshman, he passed for 2,819 yards—more than any freshman in Nebraska history—and added 13 touchdowns through the air. His completion percentage also broke school records for a first-year quarterback. These numbers placed him at No. 3 nationally among all freshmen in passing yards and earned him a semifinalist spot for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule praised Raiola’s rapid development, saying, “Playing quarterback as a freshman in the Big Ten is not easy… he’ll make another huge jump. Really, the sky’s the limit for him.”
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) passes as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jay Higgins (34) defends Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.© Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Adidas Adds a Star to Its Roster
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Raiola’s signing aligns perfectly with Adidas’ strategy of recruiting high-impact athletes early in their careers. With an existing partnership with Nebraska athletics, the deal makes strategic sense—and it’s also a statement.
“Joining the elite family of athletes at Adidas is a tremendous honor,” Raiola said. “Their support strengthens the journey as we continue building something special in Lincoln.”
The quarterback is no stranger to high-value NIL partnerships. He currently holds a $2.3 million NIL valuation, placing him at No. 21 in On3’s NIL100. Past brand deals include EA Sports, Panini America, and Campus Ink.
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Raiola’s Adidas deal isn’t just about shoes and logos—it’s a clear signal that he’s positioning himself as one of college football’s most marketable stars. For fans of NIL and the future of college sports, this partnership is worth watching.
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