NIL
Jeremiah Smith shines as Ohio State’s top receiver
Jeremiah Smith captivates college football fans with stellar plays, skyrocketing jersey sales and a massive social media following.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — At just 19 years old, Jeremiah Smith has stormed into college football with electric play, catching touchdowns and dazzling fans with jaw-dropping athleticism.
Wearing No. 4 for the Buckeyes, many analysts already regard him as possibly the top receiver in the nation. His highlight-reel catches — like his memorable touchdown against Michigan and acrobatic receptions facing Northwestern — have become weekly sensations, fueling both his reputation and the Ohio State offense.
A recent photo opportunity two weeks ago with at Polaris mall drew thousands of people just to stand next to the super sophomore. The line stretched outside the building.
Smith’s popularity is not confined to the field. He currently leads his team in jersey sales and is ranked among the top 10 nationally for college football merchandise. At the Schottenstein Center fan shop, racks are stocked with his No. 4 jersey in multiple colors, and hundreds have sold this season alone. Priced at $185 each, every purchase supports Smith directly thanks to his name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement — a sign of the new era in college athletics.
“He’s been one of a kind that I’ve seen, He’s a lot of fun to watch on the field and a lot of fun to watch his jersey sell, “ said Alex Hale, retail manager at the Fan Shop at the Schottenstein Center. The fan shop is exclusive seller of Ohio State Football NIL jerseys.
Millions have watched Smith’s workouts and highlights online, turning him into a social media phenomenon with wide-reaching influence. According to Courtney Altimus, who educates Ohio State athletes on branding and NIL deals, “If you’re an athlete who is a household name, and thousands of jerseys are being sold, you’re going to make good money”.
While the total financial impact of Smith’s success is still being calculated, there’s little doubt he’s setting new standards for athlete entrepreneurship in college sports.
Ohio State has seen its share of famous No. 4’s — Holmes, Samuel, Coleman, Allen and Rambo — but Jeremiah Smith’s excellence may one day set him apart as a Buckeye icon.
For now, fans and collectors alike are celebrating his early successes, knowing that this talented receiver is rewriting the definition of what it means to be a college football superstar.