Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) are off to a flying start with back-to-back victories against Akron and Western Michigan. In a team of riches, Ohio State freshman and former five-star recruit Jeremiah Smith has truly started college football with a bang! Two games, over 200 yards, 3 TDs- add to that a 100-yard game in his second start. Smith has everything that Greg Howard wants in a wide receiver. Jeremiah’s accomplishments aren’t limited to the field; off the field, he is making the most of his talents thanks to the NIL landscape.

As per ON3, Jeremiah Smith has signed a NIL deal with Red Bull, becoming the first college football player to partner with a worldwide energy drink brand. “Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the first college football player to ink a NIL deal with Red Bull. He has a $1.1 million On3 NIL valuation.” The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Smith and his loved ones.

The top prospect developed his skills at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School and decided to join Ohio State Buckeyes for the 2024 season. After the second week’s dominating victory against Western Michigan, Jeremiah Smith has given a new big reason for Buckeyes fans to celebrate.

With his collaboration, he joins South Carolina women’s basketball star MiLaysia Fulwiley and Nebraska volleyball standout Bergen Reilly as Red Bull NIL ambassadors. Jeremiah Smith has shared his excitement on social media. He captioned the post, “Off week, got my wings.” The wide receiver also updated his Instagram bio to Rull Bull athlete.

Smith’s off-field success is not so surprising because he has impressed not only his coaches and teammates but also Buckeyes fans. But with fame and appreciation comes more responsibilities. The riches of college football mean nothing if they adversely affect the on-field game, and Jeremiah knows that pretty well. For now, let us guide you through his NIL deals.

Before joining hands with Red Bull, the wide receiver secured NIL deals with NIL collectives The Fondation and The 1870 Society, a major Buckeyes collective. In March 2024, after he featured in EA Sports College Football 25, he collaborated with Ricart Automotive. He has received lots of love on and off the field, but he is also one of the WRs gaining attention because of his ratings on the virtual game.

A few months ago, Smith added one more endorsement to his growing list of collaborations with Battle Sports. Social media followers play an important role in attracting deals. With over 343,000 followers, Smith has an On3 NIL valuation of $1.1 million. With his valuation, he is placed at 23rd rank in the On3 NIL 100. The rank is likely to improve after the RedBull deal.

After this achievement, Jeremiah Smith returns his attention to the Buckeyes, who are set to face The Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday.

The NIL landscape is relatively new for college football fans. If you want to understand it better, do watch this ES Think Tank podcast episode with Doug Sanders.