Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith expands his NIL empire with a new deal with Wahlberg, further elevating his brand.

In recent years, the landscape of college athletics has been drastically altered by the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, allowing student-athletes to profit off their personal brand and endorsements while still maintaining their eligibility. One athlete who has quickly capitalized on these opportunities is Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. A rising star in college football, Smith has already established himself as one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class and is now making headlines not only for his on-field talents but also for his expanding NIL empire.

Smith’s latest NIL partnership with Wahlberg, a deal that adds another layer to his growing brand, has garnered significant attention in the sports and business worlds. The deal represents a monumental step for Smith, but it also highlights how NIL has become a game-changer for athletes, providing them with opportunities to build personal brands and generate revenue like never before.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Jeremiah Smith’s rise in college football, the significance of his Wahlberg deal, and the broader impact of NIL on college athletics.

1. Jeremiah Smith: A Rising Star in College Football

Before diving into the specifics of Smith’s NIL deal, it’s important to understand just why the Ohio State wide receiver is receiving such significant attention. Jeremiah Smith is a highly touted football prospect from the class of 2024, ranked as one of the top wide receivers in the nation. A standout at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, Florida, Smith has impressed scouts and coaches alike with his combination of size, speed, and technical skills.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Smith possesses the physical tools that make him a nightmare for opposing defenders. His ability to stretch the field with his speed and make plays in both the short and deep passing game has made him a highly sought-after recruit. Smith is known for his route-running precision, strong hands, and ability to track the football in the air — qualities that have led to his ranking as one of the best wide receiver prospects in the country.

As a result of his on-field success, Smith has attracted interest from top college programs, with Ohio State emerging as the favorite to land his commitment. The Buckeyes, known for their high-powered offense and their ability to develop top-tier wide receivers, represent an ideal fit for Smith’s skills and aspirations. His decision to commit to Ohio State was widely celebrated, as the program has a rich history of producing elite NFL-caliber receivers, including names like Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, and Garrett Wilson.

But while Smith’s talent on the football field is undeniable, his appeal extends far beyond the gridiron. His marketability, charisma, and personal brand have made him an attractive figure for companies looking to partner with young, influential athletes. This has been exemplified by his growing presence in the NIL space.

2. The Rise of NIL: Transforming College Athletics

To fully appreciate the significance of Smith’s NIL deal with Wahlberg, it’s important to understand the broader impact of NIL on college athletics. Prior to July 2021, college athletes were prohibited from profiting from their name, image, or likeness, despite the massive revenue generated by college sports. However, with the NCAA’s decision to allow NIL opportunities for student-athletes in 2021, the dynamics of college sports changed overnight.

The NIL era has empowered athletes to sign sponsorships, endorsement deals, and other business partnerships that can generate significant revenue. These deals can range from social media partnerships and product endorsements to lucrative appearances and partnerships with major brands. The opportunities are virtually limitless, and the impact has been felt across all college sports, from football and basketball to soccer and track and field.

For athletes like Jeremiah Smith, NIL has become an important avenue for generating income while still in college. With NIL, athletes can now profit from their personal brand, regardless of their future professional prospects. For someone as high-profile as Smith, NIL deals can be a lucrative source of income, even before he plays his first game for Ohio State.

NIL has also opened the door for athletes to forge lasting business relationships and create opportunities that extend well beyond their athletic careers. In Smith’s case, his partnership with Wahlberg is a clear example of how NIL deals can elevate an athlete’s profile and create business opportunities in various industries, from entertainment to fashion to fitness.

3. Smith’s NIL Deal with Wahlberg: A Game-Changer

Jeremiah Smith’s NIL deal with Wahlberg is one of the most high-profile deals for a college athlete in recent memory. Wahlberg, a brand associated with fitness and lifestyle products, represents a perfect fit for Smith. The company’s focus on healthy living, strength training, and athletic performance aligns with Smith’s image as a top-tier athlete with a commitment to physical excellence.

The Wahlberg deal is especially significant because it marks an expansion of Smith’s NIL portfolio. Prior to this deal, Smith had already signed a number of endorsement partnerships, including deals with major brands in the fitness, sports, and apparel industries. However, the Wahlberg deal takes his NIL presence to the next level, aligning him with a global brand known for its association with top athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Wahlberg, which has a presence in both the fitness and lifestyle industries, is a brand that resonates with a broad audience. The company’s products and messaging emphasize high performance, strength, and the pursuit of excellence, which complements Smith’s personal brand as an elite athlete. By partnering with Wahlberg, Smith not only gains access to a new revenue stream but also solidifies his place as one of the top young athletes in the college sports world with significant commercial potential.

This deal also reflects the broader shift in how college athletes are viewed by brands. Companies are no longer just interested in signing professional athletes; they are eager to build relationships with college stars who have the potential to become the next generation of influencers, role models, and business moguls. Smith’s partnership with Wahlberg exemplifies how athletes are increasingly becoming business entities in their own right, able to create lasting partnerships and establish themselves as brand ambassadors while still in college.

4. The Impact of NIL on College Recruiting

The rise of NIL has also had a profound impact on college recruiting, and Smith’s growing NIL portfolio is a testament to this shift. In the past, college athletes could only generate exposure and opportunities through their athletic performance on the field. However, in today’s NIL-driven landscape, athletes are also competing for lucrative endorsement deals and partnerships with major brands.

This has created a new layer of competition in recruiting. For high-profile recruits like Smith, the opportunity to sign endorsement deals and create a personal brand is an important factor in the decision-making process. While the prestige of a university and the potential to compete for championships remain crucial, athletes are now considering the financial opportunities available to them through NIL deals when choosing a program.

Ohio State, with its national prominence, large fan base, and strong athletic department, offers the kind of exposure and platform that makes it an attractive destination for top recruits. Smith’s decision to commit to Ohio State was influenced not just by the program’s football tradition but also by the opportunities that the school can provide in terms of NIL deals and brand development.

For Ohio State, the ability to sign top-tier recruits like Smith is enhanced by the success of their NIL program. With support from the athletic department and a wide array of corporate partnerships, Ohio State has positioned itself as one of the leading programs in terms of NIL opportunities for its athletes. Smith’s NIL success is a reflection of the university’s commitment to helping its student-athletes maximize their earning potential both on and off the field.

5. The Future of NIL in College Sports

Jeremiah Smith’s expanding NIL empire represents just the beginning of what could be a transformative era for college athletics. While Smith is currently one of the most visible figures in college football in terms of NIL, many other athletes across various sports are following in his footsteps, building their own personal brands and signing lucrative endorsement deals.

As NIL continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see more athletes using their platform to generate income, influence, and opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field. The landscape of college sports is changing, and NIL is at the heart of that transformation. For athletes like Smith, who are already seeing success in this space, the future is filled with potential.

However, as the NIL market continues to grow, questions about regulation, fairness, and competition will likely arise. Will NIL deals become the deciding factor in recruiting? How will schools navigate the growing influence of NIL collectives and boosters? These are important questions that will shape the future of college sports in the years to come.