In a move that’s turning heads in Maryland athletics, freshman quarterback Malik Washington has signed a season-long NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza. This is the first time Pepsi has committed to a full-season agreement with a single athlete, which is pretty wild if you think about it.
The deal came together thanks to the University of Maryland’s in-house agency, One Maryland NIL. Washington will show up in a broad marketing campaign—think social media, in-stadium branding, and yes, he’ll be in his full Maryland gear.
Fans can also try a special pizza called “Malik’s Way” at Ledo Pizza spots and at SECU Stadium. It’s a fun touch, honestly.
Malik Washington’s Stellar Start with the Terrapins
Malik Washington is already making waves in his first season with the Maryland Terrapins. The freshman QB has thrown for 1,038 yards and racked up eight touchdowns to just one interception in his first four games.
His Week 4 performance against Wisconsin really stood out: 265 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score. That earned him True Freshman of the Week honors from Charles Power.
A Promising Prospect
Washington came to College Park with a lot of hype. He’s a Baltimore native from Archbishop Spalding in Severn, and he was ranked as the No. 105 overall player and No. 11 quarterback in the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
His early success has only fueled more excitement about what he might achieve here.
The Power of Strategic Partnerships
This NIL deal really shows how Maryland Athletics, their NIL program, and partners like Pepsi and Ledo Pizza are working together in new ways. Mandy Allendorfer, executive director of One Maryland NIL, pointed out that this partnership isn’t just good for Malik Washington—it’s also about building connections that matter to Maryland fans and the football community as a whole.
One Maryland NIL: A Blueprint for Future Success
One Maryland NIL became the university’s official NIL collective in 2023, after the House v. NCAA settlement. Powered by Blueprint Sports, the group is focused on helping Terrapins athletes land deals and build relationships with sponsors.
This Pepsi and Ledo Pizza partnership is a pretty good example of how they’re making things happen behind the scenes.
Pepsi and Ledo Pizza: Longtime Partners of Maryland Athletics
Pepsi and Ledo Pizza have been part of the Maryland scene for ages. Washington even pointed out that these brands are pretty much part of the game day tradition for Terrapins fans.
The “Malik’s Way” pizza—a classic pizza with hot honey—is a tasty nod to that partnership. SECU Stadium and Ledo Pizza locations will be serving it up, bringing the NIL deal right into the fan experience.
Marketing Campaigns and Fan Engagement
The marketing push here is going to be everywhere: social media, in-stadium ads, you name it. Washington will be front and center, which is bound to boost his profile and get fans even more invested.
It’s a creative way to bring brands, athletes, and fans closer together on game day.
The Future of NIL Deals in College Sports
This deal between Malik Washington, Pepsi, and Ledo Pizza is setting a new bar for NIL agreements in college sports. It shows how these partnerships can benefit everyone involved—athletes and brands alike.
As more NIL deals pop up, this one’s probably going to be a model for how schools, athletes, and companies can team up for something memorable.
Building a Legacy
For Malik Washington, this isn’t just about the money. It’s a real shot at building a legacy, both on the field and off.
By teaming up with names like Pepsi and Ledo Pizza, he’s not just another athlete—he’s becoming a marketable personality. That blend of sports and business savvy? It’s honestly the future for college athletes.
Conclusion
Malik Washington’s NIL deal with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza marks a big moment for Maryland athletics. It’s honestly a pretty striking example of what these NIL agreements can do for college sports.
He’s just getting started in his football career, but this partnership already boosts his profile. Washington seems set up for even more success down the line.
One Maryland NIL keeps pushing these kinds of deals forward. There’s a sense that things are only going to get more interesting for Terrapins athletes and the brands teaming up with them.
For more details, check out the full article on On3.
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