In a pretty bold move for college sports, Maryland Terrapins’ quarterback Malik Washington just landed a season-long NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza. The University of Maryland’s in-house agency, One Maryland NIL, helped make it happen.
This is actually Pepsi’s first time signing an individual athlete for a whole season. Washington’s going to be in all sorts of promos—think social media, in-stadium branding, the works—and he’ll be in full Maryland gear for it.
Fans even get a special treat: there’s a pizza called “Malik’s Way” at Ledo Pizza spots and SECU Stadium. Classic pizza, but with a drizzle of hot honey. Sounds pretty great, honestly.
Malik Washington’s Stellar Start with the Terrapins
Washington hasn’t wasted any time making an impression in his first season with the Terrapins. The true freshman quarterback has put up 1,038 passing yards and eight touchdowns, with just one interception in his first four games.
His Week 4 game against Wisconsin was a real highlight. He threw for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and even rushed for another score. That got him named True Freshman of the Week by Charles Power.
A Star in the Making
It’s not too shocking if you’ve followed his high school career. Washington grew up in Baltimore and played at Archbishop Spalding in Severn.
He came to College Park as a four-star recruit. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, he was the No. 105 overall player and the 11th-ranked quarterback for the 2025 class.
The Significance of the NIL Deal
This NIL deal is a big step for Washington, but it’s also a win for Maryland Athletics and their NIL program. Mandy Allendorfer, who heads up One Maryland NIL, pointed out how deals like this can really open doors for athletes and help brands connect with Maryland fans.
One Maryland NIL: A New Era
One Maryland NIL launched in 2023, right after the House v. NCAA settlement. It’s powered by Blueprint Sports and has become the official NIL collective for the university.
The group focuses on landing deals for Terrapins athletes and setting the stage for future NIL opportunities. This Pepsi and Ledo Pizza partnership is a pretty clear example of how well things can work when everyone’s on the same page.
Pepsi and Ledo Pizza: Longtime Partners of UMD
Pepsi and Ledo Pizza have been part of the University of Maryland scene for ages. UMD is a Pepsi campus, so you see the brand everywhere—especially at games.
Ledo Pizza’s a local favorite and has been tied to the Maryland community for years. That makes them a natural fit for this kind of NIL deal.
Marketing Campaign and Fan Engagement
As part of the agreement, Washington will be front and center in a marketing campaign that covers a lot of ground:
- Social Media Promotions: Content across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Expect some fun stuff.
- In-Stadium Branding: Ads and promo materials during home games at SECU Stadium.
- “Malik’s Way” Pizza: That hot honey pizza, available at Ledo Pizza locations and at the stadium.
Impact on Future NIL Deals
This partnership could shape how NIL deals look going forward. When athletes team up with brands like Pepsi and Ledo Pizza, it’s good for everyone—players, sponsors, and fans.
Blueprint for Success
One Maryland NIL played a key role in pulling this together. Having a group dedicated to managing these deals makes a real difference for athletes and partners alike.
Conclusion
Malik Washington’s NIL deal with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza marks a pretty big moment in college sports. It’s not every day you see a partnership like this—especially with Pepsi jumping in for a full season.
Washington’s got real potential as a rising star. With smart partnerships like this, who knows what doors could open for athletes and sponsors down the road?
If you’re curious and want more details, check out the full article on On3.
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