Ohio State Buckeyes’ star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been making headlines both on and off the field. As the Buckeyes stay undefeated through their first seven games, Smith’s become a crucial piece in their push to defend the College Football Playoff National Championship.
With impressive stats and a pile of NIL deals, Smith’s not just a top college player—he’s looking more and more like a future NFL prospect. Let’s take a closer look at Smith’s wild season, the money moves he’s making, and what might be next for this exceptional athlete.
Jeremiah Smith: A Season to Remember
The Buckeyes have kicked off the 2025 season with a bang. They’re sitting undefeated after seven games.
Wins over teams like the Texas Longhorns, Grambling Tigers, Ohio Bobcats, Washington Huskies, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and Wisconsin Badgers have kept fans buzzing. Central to all this? Sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Impressive Stats
Smith’s been a standout, leading the team in receiving yards in five out of those seven games. So far, he’s racked up 49 catches for 602 yards and seven touchdowns.
Those numbers show just how important he is to the team. With his size and skill, some folks genuinely believe Smith could jump straight into the NFL and not miss a beat.
NIL Deals: A Financial Powerhouse
Off the field, Smith’s making waves too, landing a bunch of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. These partnerships have seriously boosted his bank account, putting him among the highest-paid college athletes out there.
Lucrative Partnerships
Smith’s got deals with some big names, including:
- KeyBank
- 7-Eleven
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Adidas
- Epic Games
- Red Bull
His partnership with Red Bull, which kicked off in September 2024, has been especially eye-catching. The energy drink giant plans to release a commemorative can featuring Smith.
NFL legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson even surprised Smith with the news, announcing it together on social media. The limited-edition Red Bull can’s only available in Ohio through December, and only while supplies last.
NIL Valuation
On3 puts Smith’s NIL valuation at $4.2 million. That makes him the third-highest paid player in college football.
He’s behind just Texas’ Arch Manning and Miami’s Carson Beck. It’s a wild testament to Smith’s marketability and the buzz he brings both on and off the field.
Ohio State’s Championship Aspirations
The Buckeyes haven’t let up after last season’s National Championship. With a spotless record so far, they’re looking primed for another big run.
Smith’s been invaluable. His performance could make all the difference as the team heads into the toughest stretch of the season.
Team Dynamics
Ohio State’s success comes from a team effort, but Smith’s role as the top receiver is hard to ignore. He’s a favorite target for Buckeyes’ quarterbacks, thanks to his knack for clutch catches and yards after the catch.
As things heat up, Smith’s playmaking might be what tips close games in the Buckeyes’ favor.
The Future: NFL Prospects and Beyond
With Smith dominating the college scene, talk about his NFL future is everywhere. He’s got the size, speed, and skill that scouts drool over.
If he keeps this up, there’s a real shot he’ll be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Professional Readiness
Smith’s already showing he can handle top-tier college defenses. That’s a pretty good sign he could make an impact in the pros right away.
Plus, all the high-pressure moments he’s faced in college should help him adjust when he eventually makes the leap to the NFL.
Marketability
Smith’s marketability goes way beyond just what he does on the field. His long list of NIL deals and a lively social media presence make him an appealing prospect for NFL teams that care about their brand image.
It’s not just about his athleticism—he’s got that rare mix of talent and off-field appeal. Honestly, Smith’s the kind of player any team would want in their corner.
For more details on Jeremiah Smith’s NIL deals and his impact on the Ohio State Buckeyes, visit Athlon Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
