College football keeps changing, and honestly, the Texas Longhorns seem to always be right in the thick of it—especially when it comes to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. With some of the sport’s biggest personalities on their roster, Texas is making the most out of these new opportunities.
Recently, running back Hollywood Smothers made headlines by landing a big multi-year NIL deal with Fiterman Sports, a Houston-based sports memorabilia company. Smothers joins a growing list of Longhorns who are cashing in on their talent and popularity.
Hollywood Smothers’ NIL Deal with Fiterman Sports
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Smothers has secured a six-figure, multi-year NIL agreement with Fiterman Sports. He’ll be doing fan meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and some memorabilia work—pretty standard, but still a big deal.
This isn’t just about the money, though. The partnership gives Smothers a bigger platform and more visibility than ever before. It’s a chance for him to connect with fans and build his personal brand while still in college.
Financial Implications and Opportunities
The Fiterman Sports deal is a huge financial opportunity for Smothers. On top of the six-figure sum, he’s also getting additional, though undisclosed, compensation from the Longhorns program itself.
That’s a smart move for any college athlete—two income streams, more security. On3 estimates his NIL valuation at $528,000, which is honestly kind of wild for a college player. But it shows how much things have changed in college sports.
For Smothers, this money could be life-changing, especially if injuries or bad luck ever get in the way of an NFL career. It’s not just about football anymore; it’s about building something sustainable.
Smothers’ Journey to Texas
Smothers is heading into his fourth season of college football. He played one year at Oklahoma and two at NC State before making his way to Texas.
Originally from Charlotte, N.C., he first committed to Alabama out of the transfer portal in January. But then he surprised everyone—including Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian—by flipping to the Longhorns.
Texas had already picked up Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown as their projected starter, so Smothers’ decision definitely caught people off guard. Sometimes, though, you’ve just got to go with your gut.
Impact on the Longhorns’ Backfield
With Smothers joining the roster, Texas suddenly has a much deeper and more talented backfield. Sarkisian admitted he didn’t expect to land two starting-caliber running backs in one offseason.
That’s bound to shake things up for the team. Smothers brings a lot to the table, and pairing him with Brown could make Texas’ running game a real threat.
Last season at NC State, Smothers put up 160 carries for 939 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 37 passes for 189 yards and added a receiving touchdown, showing he’s more than just a runner.
That kind of versatility is exactly what the Longhorns need right now. If he stays healthy, he could be a difference-maker.
The Future for Hollywood Smothers
Smothers is gearing up for his first season in burnt orange, and there’s a lot of buzz around what he might do. Fans and scouts are keeping a close eye on him, hoping he can boost his NFL stock while helping Texas make a run.
But even if things don’t go perfectly on the field, that NIL deal with Fiterman Sports gives him some peace of mind. It’s nice to see a player thinking ahead.
Strategic Financial Planning
For college athletes, these NIL opportunities are a game-changer. Smothers locking in a multi-year deal with a reputable company just makes sense—it’s smart business.
Football careers can end in a blink, so having a financial cushion is huge. Smothers’ move from Alabama to Texas shows he’s thinking about his future, not just the next game.
Texas is a big stage, both for football and for NIL deals. If you’re a top-tier player, it’s hard not to see the appeal.
Conclusion
Hollywood Smothers’ multi-year NIL deal with Fiterman Sports really says a lot about his marketability as a college athlete. It’s not just a financial win—his brand and visibility are getting a serious boost, too.
Now, as Smothers steps onto the field with the Texas Longhorns, people are going to be paying attention. Fans, scouts, maybe even rivals—they’ll all be watching his performance and, honestly, his moves off the field as well.
The Texas Longhorns have built a reputation in the NIL scene. They’re pulling in top talent and giving players real chances to profit from their names and images.
With guys like Smothers joining the mix, you can’t help but feel like the Longhorns’ future is looking pretty exciting. Who knows what’s next?
If you want all the details on Hollywood Smothers’ NIL deal, check out the full article here.
- 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
