Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s star wide receiver, is making headlines again with a groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal. He’s now the first college athlete to appear on a Red Bull can—a pretty wild milestone, honestly.
With a massive $4.2 million NIL valuation, Smith’s latest partnership with Red Bull just adds to his already stacked list of endorsements. He’s also landed deals with Adidas, EA Sports, 7-Eleven, American Eagle Outfitters, Nintendo, and Lululemon.
His success both on and off the field has made him one of the most sought-after college athletes out there. And really, it feels like his journey’s only just getting started.
Jeremiah Smith’s Historic NIL Deal with Red Bull
Jeremiah Smith has pulled off something pretty special by becoming the first college athlete ever featured on a Red Bull can. It’s a partnership that really speaks to his unique talent and marketability.
According to On3, Smith’s NIL valuation is an eye-popping $4.2 million. That puts him at third among all college athletes, behind only Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Miami’s Carson Beck.
The Rise of Jeremiah Smith
Smith’s rise has been fast and, honestly, kind of spectacular. In his true freshman season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, he racked up 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.
He played a huge role in helping secure a national championship for his team. This season, he’s kept up the momentum with 602 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in the first seven games.
The Buckeyes have stayed perfect so far, and Smith’s been a big reason why.
Expanding the NIL Portfolio
The Red Bull deal is just one of several big moves for Smith. Over the summer, he joined the Adidas family and got featured as a cover athlete for EA Sports’ College Football 26.
Some of his other standout NIL deals include:
- 7-Eleven
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Nintendo
- Lululemon
These endorsements show just how wide Smith’s appeal really is. Major brands clearly trust him to represent them well.
Marketability Beyond the Field
Smith’s reach goes way beyond what he does in games. At just 19, he’s shown a level of maturity and professionalism that resonates with brands and fans.
Balancing school, football, and a bunch of high-profile endorsements? That takes serious work ethic—and maybe a little something extra.
Impact on College Athletics
Smith’s big NIL deals are a sign of how much college athletics is changing. The NIL era has opened up new ways for athletes to make money and build their personal brands while still in school.
His achievements definitely set an example for other college athletes looking to do the same.
The Future of NIL Deals
As more athletes like Smith take advantage of NIL opportunities, college sports will probably keep shifting. Universities and athletic programs are going to have to keep up, offering support and resources to help athletes handle these complex agreements.
Maybe this will lead to a more level playing field, where athletes from all sorts of backgrounds can benefit from their hard work.
Looking Ahead: Jeremiah Smith’s Potential
Smith isn’t eligible for the NFL draft just yet, but his future in pro football looks pretty bright. If he keeps playing at this level, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him as a top pick when the time comes.
For now, he’ll keep dominating in college and, no doubt, adding more big names to his NIL portfolio.
Concluding Thoughts
Jeremiah Smith just made history with his NIL deal with Red Bull. It’s not every day you see a college athlete land something this big.
He’s pulling in major endorsements and still crushing it on the field. That’s a rare combo, and honestly, it puts him in a league of his own.
People are definitely going to keep an eye on Smith. Fans, brands, other athletes—they’re all watching to see what he’ll do next.
If you’re curious and want more details about Jeremiah Smith’s NIL deal, check out the full article here.
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