**Superstar Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Just Signed With Adidas**
The world of college football and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals just witnessed another seismic shift as Ohio State’s five-star freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, inked a monumental partnership with Adidas. The deal, announced earlier this week, solidifies Smith’s status as one of the most marketable young athletes in college sports and further cements Adidas’ growing influence in the football landscape.
Smith, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class according to multiple recruiting services, has been turning heads since his high school days at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida. His combination of size (6’3”, 210 lbs), speed, and elite ball skills made him the most coveted receiver in the nation, with Ohio State winning a fierce recruiting battle over the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Miami. Now, before even playing a single snap in college, he’s already securing major endorsement deals—a testament to both his on-field potential and off-field appeal.
### **The Adidas Deal: What We Know**
While exact financial terms of the agreement haven’t been publicly disclosed, industry insiders suggest this is one of the most lucrative NIL deals for a freshman in college football history. Adidas, which has been aggressively expanding its roster of football talent, views Smith as a cornerstone athlete who can help the brand compete with Nike and Jordan Brand in the college and future professional markets.
Smith joins an impressive Adidas football lineup that includes Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy (before his NFL draft selection), Colorado’s Travis Hunter, and Texas A&M’s Evan Stewart. The deal likely includes signature apparel, cleats, and social media promotions, with potential performance-based incentives tied to his on-field success.
### **Why Adidas Chose Jeremiah Smith**
Adidas’ investment in Smith isn’t just about his football talent—it’s about his marketability. Even in high school, Smith amassed a massive social media following, with over 200,000 Instagram followers before even enrolling at Ohio State. His charisma, highlight-reel plays, and engagement with fans make him an ideal brand ambassador.
Additionally, Adidas has been making a concerted push into Ohio State’s NIL space. The Buckeyes have long been a Nike stronghold, but with the rise of NIL, Adidas sees an opportunity to infiltrate one of college football’s most prominent programs by locking down its biggest stars. Smith’s deal could pave the way for more Adidas-sponsored Buckeyes in the future.
### **The NIL Revolution and Its Impact on College Football**
Smith’s Adidas partnership is yet another example of how NIL has transformed college athletics. Gone are the days when freshmen had to wait until their junior or senior year to secure endorsement deals. Now, elite recruits can monetize their fame before ever stepping onto the field.
Ohio State has been at the forefront of this movement, with players like quarterback Quinn Ewers (now at Texas) and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (now in the NFL) securing major deals early in their careers. Smith’s agreement with Adidas suggests that the most talented players will continue to command top-dollar sponsorships, further blurring the lines between collegiate and professional sports.
### **What This Means for Ohio State and College Football**
Smith’s deal is a massive win for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes can now point to tangible proof that elite players in their program will have access to life-changing NIL opportunities. This is crucial in a landscape where top recruits are increasingly making decisions based on financial potential as much as on-field success.
For college football as a whole, this signals that the NIL arms race is only heating up. Brands like Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour are now directly competing for the allegiance of the sport’s brightest young stars. The ripple effects could lead to even more aggressive bidding wars for top recruits, further professionalizing the college game.
### **What’s Next for Jeremiah Smith?**
With the Adidas deal secured, all eyes now turn to Smith’s freshman season at Ohio State. The Buckeyes boast one of the most stacked receiver rooms in the country, featuring returning stars like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate. However, given Smith’s otherworldly talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him carve out a significant role early.
If he lives up to the hype, this Adidas deal could be just the beginning. More endorsements, potential NFL draft hype, and even bigger partnerships could follow. For now, though, Smith has already made history as one of the first true freshmen to land a major sportswear deal—proving that in today’s college football, superstardom doesn’t wait.
### **Final Thoughts**
Jeremiah Smith’s Adidas partnership is more than just another NIL deal—it’s a reflection of where college football is headed. The sport’s future stars are no longer just athletes; they’re brands, influencers, and business entities long before they reach the professional level. For Smith, this is just the first step in what could be a legendary career. And for Adidas, it’s a bold statement that they’re here to compete for the next generation of football’s elite.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Columbus to see if Smith can deliver on the field as much as he already has off it. One thing is certain: in the NIL era, the game has changed forever, and Jeremiah Smith is leading the charge.
