Elijah Sarratt Went From Zero Stars To Signing With Adidas

In a college football landscape obsessed with star ratings, Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is rewriting the script. Once labeled a zero-star recruit, Sarratt has gone from overlooked to outfitted in three stripes after officially signing a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Adidas.

Now one of the focal points of Indiana’s College Football Playoff Semifinals–bound offense, Sarratt joins Adidas’ growing roster of elite college athletes. The partnership includes his own line of branded gear, available through the IU store and Rally House, signaling how far his stock has risen — on the field and in the marketplace.

Sarratt’s journey is a case study in why star ratings don’t tell the full story. Coming out of high school, the Stafford, Virginia native received zero recruiting stars, a designation that often determines opportunity before talent ever has a chance to show itself. He began his college career at FCS St. Francis (PA), far from the spotlight typically reserved for four- and five-star prospects.

From there, Sarratt transferred to James Madison, where he reunited with head coach Curt Cignetti. When Cignetti took the Indiana job the following season, he made sure to bring his trusted wideout with him — a move that’s paid off in a major way.

Across four collegiate seasons, Sarratt has compiled 3,575 receiving yards, 232 catches, and 42 touchdowns, production that rivals — and often surpasses — players who entered college with much higher star ratings attached to their names.

From zero stars to three stripes, Sarratt’s Adidas deal is more than a brand partnership — it’s a statement. In an era dominated by recruiting rankings and early hype, his rise proves that development, consistency, and belief can matter more than any number next to your name. Where you start doesn’t define where you finish — and Elijah Sarratt is living proof.

Photos Credit: adidas and Elijah Sarratt’s Instagram