The Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked No. 1 and reigning National Champions, are off to a roaring start. With a 3-0 record and a wild 121 to 16 point differential, they’ve been nearly unstoppable so far.
As the team gears up for Big Ten Conference play, two standouts—running back James Peoples and offensive lineman Luke Montgomery—just inked a fresh Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with premium hot sauce brand TRUFF. This partnership is supposed to keep the energy high as the Buckeyes defend their College Football Playoff title, while also letting fans peek at how TRUFF spices up their daily routines.
Ohio State Buckeyes: A Hot Start to the Season
That 3-0 record and the 121 to 16 point margin? It’s a statement. Ohio State looks every bit like the champs they are.
Big Ten Conference play is right around the corner. The Buckeyes are set to face Washington on September 27, and it’s clear they’re not just thinking about what happens on the field.
James Peoples and Luke Montgomery: The Dynamic Duo
James Peoples and Luke Montgomery are making things happen on offense. Peoples, the running back with some serious burst, and Montgomery, an imposing presence on the line, have both been huge for Ohio State’s early run.
Their new NIL partnership with TRUFF? It says a lot about their influence, not just in games but off the field too.
TRUFF: The Premium Hot Sauce Brand
TRUFF’s truffle-infused hot sauce has become a bit of a cult favorite. There’s something about that unique blend—honestly, it’s hard to explain unless you’ve tried it.
Now, with this NIL partnership, TRUFF gets to be part of the routines of two of Ohio State’s top guys. Not a bad move for anyone involved.
The Campaign: A Taste of TRUFF
Yellow Dot Sports Marketing is bringing the TRUFF NIL campaign to life. Peoples and Montgomery will be front and center, sharing social media content and giving fans a look at their off-the-field lives.
The campaign launched in collaboration with Starbucks. TRUFF hot sauce packets are now available at participating Starbucks in the U.S. if you grab a hot breakfast, lunch sandwich, or pocket. It’s a quirky but fun combo.
Quotes from the Stars
James Peoples didn’t hold back his excitement, saying, *this level of college football is non-stop* and *whether I’m eating in the facility, on the go, or cooking at home, TRUFF is the best way to add flavor to every meal.*
Luke Montgomery chimed in too. *Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when I’m in season. TRUFF brings flavor and that perfect level of heat to make my breakfast something I look forward to every morning.* Can’t argue with that.
Expanding the TRUFF NIL Program
The TRUFF NIL program isn’t stopping here. It’s set to roll on through the 2025 season, which is a pretty big commitment.
It’s good news for the players and a smart play for TRUFF, who’ll get more eyes on their brand among college football fans. There’s no denying it’s a win-win.
The Bigger Picture: NIL Partnerships in College Sports
NIL partnerships are changing the game for college athletes. They finally get to cash in on their name, image, and likeness, which opens doors for all kinds of brand relationships.
This deal between Peoples, Montgomery, and TRUFF is just one example of how these connections can work for everyone involved.
Other Notable NIL Campaigns
Ohio State’s duo isn’t the only story out there. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has jumped into a tasty NIL campaign of his own.
Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson have teamed up on a sneaker deal, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, plus Leavitt again, are headlining another campaign. Texas QB Arch Manning? He’s in the mix too, partnering with a leading eyewear brand.
Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Season
The Buckeyes are heading into conference play looking as strong as ever. With a bye week before the Washington game on September 27, they’ve got a chance to rest up and plot their next moves.
The TRUFF partnership adds a fun twist to the season. Fans have plenty to be excited about—on and off the field.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been making waves lately, and not just on the field. They’re also shaking things up off the field with some pretty creative NIL partnerships.
Take James Peoples and Luke Montgomery teaming up with TRUFF, for example. It’s a fresh reminder of how athletes and brands can collaborate in ways that actually feel fun and, honestly, a bit unexpected.
There’s something interesting about seeing these players bring their personalities into the mix with a brand like TRUFF. You get the sense this partnership isn’t just about business—it’s about adding some flavor to their routines, literally and figuratively.
If you’re curious and want more details, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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