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Thursday, January 8, 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.

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