Thursday, May 7, 2026

Jeremiah Smith Becomes Red Bull’s First College Football NIL Athlete

Barbara J. Perenic/-Imagn Images

Front Office Sports keeps you updated on the latest NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals shaping college sports. Here’s who is cashing in now:

  • Athlete: Jeremiah Smith 
  • Sport: Football
  • School: Ohio State
  • Brand: Red Bull

The deal: Smith, a true freshman who already has 211 receiving yards and three touchdowns after two games with the Buckeyes, is becoming the energy drink company’s first college football endorser. “Off week, got my wiiings,” he posted in a video on his social media channels announcing the partnership, which a source tells Front Office Sports is for multiple years.

The 18-year-old receiver joins Red Bull’s NIL roster, which includes women’s basketball players MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina) and Mikaylah Williams (LSU); volleyball players Bergen Reilly (Nebraska), Madisen Skinner (Texas), and Olivia Babcock (Pitt); and Boston College hockey player Will Smith.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Nears Referee Deal to Avoid Another ‘Fail Mary’ Disaster

The public vitriol between the two sides has lessened considerably.

Will Wade Could Follow the Illinois Blueprint at LSU

LSU re-hired Wade in March after firing him in 2022. 
Feb 6, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; The Arkansas Razorbacks logo is displayed behind home plate during the Arkansas Razorbacks scrimmage at Baum-Walker Stadium

Arkansas Men’s Tennis Coach: ‘Disbelief’ After Team Axed

Jay Udwadia spoke with FOS about the university’s decision to axe tennis.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; American businessman and television personality Mark Cuban before the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive

Mark Cuban Says He Paid for Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Deal

Cuban’s first donation to Indiana football was well spent.

Featured Today

Tottenham Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.

Kentucky Signs Former Top 10 WNBA Draft Pick

NBA draft pick James Nnaji also returned to college.
Jan 29, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Wizards guard John Wall looks on before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
April 30, 2026

John Wall Joins Howard As President of Basketball Operations

Wall has already weighed in on the Bison’s roster.
Empty tennis courts
May 1, 2026

‘In Shock’: Why College Tennis Programs Are Disappearing

In just one week, four D-I schools announced they’d eliminate tennis programs.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May celebrates with the trophy after defeating the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
April 30, 2026

Dusty May: Another Men’s Championship Will Cost $10M or More

“We anticipate it to be much greater next year,” May told FOS.
Nov 15, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; The BYU Cougars offense lines up against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs defense during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
April 29, 2026

Big 12 Presidents Approve Deal With RedBird Capital

“We’ve got a strong bench now,” Brett Yormark told FOS about the deal.
April 29, 2026

NCAA To Pay Millions to Tennis Players, Tweak Prize Money Rules

The settlement says the NCAA already changed its prize money rules.
April 29, 2026

Dusty May Says Unsigned Michigan Deal Is Just a ‘Formality’

May told FOS he won’t sign his new contract until July.