Picture a three-star recruit from La Mesa, California, with more penalties than praise, stepping onto Ohio State’s hallowed turf. Fast-forward two seasons. That same kid—now a 6’5”, 310-pound titan—is dodging draft boards like he once dodged defensive ends. Josh Simmons’s story isn’t just football; it’s Rocky meets Friday Night Lights, with a sprinkle of Wall Street hustle.

Think Emmitt Smith’s grit, Luke Kuechly’s cool. Now imagine them fused into a left tackle who turned “maybe” into a “must-see.” Simmons’ rise isn’t just about pancake blocks. It’s about rewriting destiny. And somewhere between the whistles and the NIL deals, a legend began brewing.

Josh Simmons’s career highlights and statistics

When Simmons crumpled to the turf in Oregon in October 2024, Buckeye fans felt it like a Midwest winter—a cold, sudden halt. Through six games, he’d surrendered just one hurry and zero sacks, anchoring a line as steady as a Johnny Cash rhythm. “He’s got a lot of the tools that you look for,” coach Justin Frye had mused earlier, his voice dripping with the pride of a man who’d unearthed gold in the transfer portal. Now, rewind to 2021.

A raw San Diego State freshman, penalties that drew groans from Aztec fans marred his early days. Critics scoffed. Scouts shrugged. Then came Columbus. By 2023, Josh Simmons started every game, trimming penalties like a gardener pruning roses. His 74.4 PFF grade in 2024? A love letter to grind. “This is not something where a guy just popped on the scene,” Frye added. “He’s been a player.” But here’s the thing.

That knee injury? A mere comma, not a period. Agent Drew Rosenhaus already whispers, “He [Josh] will be a high first-round pick.” Because in football, comebacks are the sweetest currency. And Simmons? He’s got a vault.

What is Josh Simmons’s NIL deal worth?

$668,000. Let that number sink in. That’s Simmons’s NIL valuation—a figure higher than some PGA Tour payouts. For a kid once known more for false starts than fame, it’s a testament to marketability meeting muscle.

“Despite what some fans and media believe, there is not an unlimited amount of money being deployed to manage rosters,” says On3’s Shannon Terry. “Any model… demands efficiency based on the athlete and school knowing the athlete’s respective market value.” And Simmons? He’s studying that playbook harder than a rookie memorizing coverage.

But beneath the glitz lies grind. While Simmons rehabs his knee, his brand flexes harder than ever. Because in America, we don’t just love underdogs. We invest in them.

Who are Simmons’ top NIL sponsors?

Josh Simmons’s deals with The 1870 Society and Pursuit aren’t accidents, though. They’re calculated moves, like a QB reading a blitz. Picture this: A hulking lineman promoting luxury watches, his smile as polished as his pass-blocking. Moreover, it’s Patrick Mahomes’s smile, and Travis Kelce’s swagger—all wrapped in a Buckeye jersey.

Let’s break it down like a halftime chalkboard:

Pursuit’s collab? A no-brainer. Aligning with Ohio State’s entire O-line, they tapped into Simmons’ blue-collar appeal—think John Deere meets Draft Day. The 1870 Society? That’s heritage meets hustle, a nod to Buckeye legacy thicker than November fog. But here’s the real magic.

Simmons isn’t just selling products. He’s selling a story. From penalty-prone to pristine, his journey mirrors every 40-something dad’s fantasy—second acts, redemption, and a dash of glory. And sponsors? They’re buying in like kids trading baseball cards. However, Simmons’s story is not yet over. It’s a trilogy.

First act: Underdog. Second act: Star. Act III? A Houston Texans jersey, perhaps, shielding C.J. Stroud like a knight in pads. “Josh will be fully cleared for practice by the start of NFL training camp,” Rosenhaus insists. Believe him.

In the end, Josh Simmons’s legacy isn’t just stats or sponsorships. It’s proof that in football—and life—grit plus grace equals greatness. So when Detroit’s draft lights blaze next April, remember: This isn’t just a pick. It’s a punctuation mark on a story that’s still being written.

And America? We’ll be watching. Pass the popcorn.