In the modern era of college football, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has completely changed how powerhouse programs like Ohio State bring in and keep elite players. With a hefty NIL budget, the Buckeyes have managed to sign some of the country’s most talented athletes—guys who aren’t just living up to the hype, but honestly, sometimes surpassing it.
This article takes a closer look at the standout performances of Ohio State’s key players, especially wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Sayin. Their contributions have been, well, pretty crucial for the team.
Jeremiah Smith: A Game-Changer on and off the Field
Ohio State’s wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has turned heads since he showed up on campus as a true freshman in 2024. Smith’s impact jumps out both in his stats and the way he changes the whole feel of a game, even when the ball isn’t coming his way.
According to The NIL Standard, Smith’s estimated NIL value is a wild $5 million. Some folks would say that’s still not quite what he’s worth.
Remarkable Statistics
Smith has been racking up big numbers for two seasons straight, each time blowing past the 1,000-yard mark. Last season, he put up:
- 1,243 receiving yards
- 87 catches
- 12 touchdowns
He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. That’s no small feat for a receiver.
Beyond the Stats
But it’s not just the numbers. Smith’s presence alone forces defenses to double or even triple him, which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it.
This opens things up for other guys. In a recent game against Texas, Smith was locked down, but that let Carnell Tate step up and make some clutch plays. Ohio State pulled out the win, and Smith’s influence was all over it, even if it didn’t show up in the box score.
Sayin: The Quarterback with a Point to Prove
Now, about Sayin—he’s heading into his second season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback and, honestly, he looks like he could be one of the best in college football. Sure, there were a couple rough patches late last season against Indiana and Miami, but overall, he played really well.
His NIL deal? It’s estimated at around $2.4 million, which says a lot about the expectations on his shoulders.
Impressive Season Stats
Last year’s numbers for Sayin:
- 3,610 yards
- 32 touchdowns
- 8 interceptions
He completed 77% of his passes. Fourth in Heisman voting, too. Pretty efficient, if you ask me.
Challenges Ahead
Sayin’s got the tools, but he’ll need to step up in the biggest games. This season, the schedule is brutal—Texas, Oregon, USC, Michigan, Indiana. All top-15 teams, all waiting to see if he’s the real deal.
How he handles those games could shape his whole legacy. And, let’s be honest, it’ll probably decide how far Ohio State goes this year.
The Importance of NIL in Modern College Football
NIL has flipped college athletics on its head, giving players a chance to actually earn money for their skills and their brand. For Ohio State, having a strong NIL budget isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential if you want to compete for the best talent out there.
Recruitment and Retention
With serious NIL backing, Ohio State can offer top recruits real incentives to come—and stay. That’s huge, especially now that transferring is so easy and other programs are throwing around big money, too.
Performance Incentives
NIL deals often come with performance bonuses, which push players to keep getting better. Jeremiah Smith and Sayin are perfect examples of guys who’ve really earned those deals with their play.
It’s a win-win: players get paid for what they bring, and the team gets top-level performances. That’s just the new normal in college football.
Ohio State’s approach to NIL has clearly paid off. Just look at players like Jeremiah Smith and Sayin.
Their impact on the field can’t really be overstated. They’ve helped drive the Buckeyes’ recent success.
It’s interesting to see how NIL is changing college football. Ohio State seems determined to stay ahead by backing its athletes with meaningful deals.
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