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As college athletes continue to reshape the business of sports through NIL deals, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to rise to the forefront of the movement.
The standout freshman, who played a key role in the Buckeyes' national championship run last season, is seeing his NIL profile soar once again after securing a new endorsement agreement.
Jeremiah Smith's $4M NIL valuation rises again
Smith, just 19 years old, has already become one of the most recognizable names in college football.
After a record-setting freshman season with 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns, he now holds a $4 million NIL valuation, making him the most valuable non-quarterback in the country, according to On3 Sports.
That number is expected to climb further after Smith announced a partnership with the Mark Wahlberg Auto Group, a Columbus-based dealership co-founded by the actor and entrepreneur.
The agreement with Wahlberg's brand strengthens Smith's growing influence both on and off the field.
Standing in front of a luxury vehicle, Smith confirmed the collaboration on social media, ing a roster of brands that includes Red Bull, Nintendo, Lululemon, and Ricart Automotive.
The financial of the new deal have not been disclosed, but it's another notable addition to what's quickly becoming one of the most diverse NIL portfolios in college sports.
Smith's continued marketability reflects not only his on-field talent but also his presence as a marketing figure.
Ranked No. 4 overall on the On3 NIL 100 list-behind only Arch Manning, Cooper Flagg, and Carson Beck, Smith has managed to stand out in a field typically dominated by quarterbacks.
While reports earlier in the offseason suggested other schools made attempts to lure Smith away with their own NIL packages, he has remained committed to Ohio State, even as the program prepares for a major transition at the quarterback position.
With two years of eligibility remaining before he can enter the NFL Draft in 2027, Smith's role in the Buckeyes' offense is expected to grow even larger.
As his influence expands, so does the blueprint for what it means to thrive in the modern college football era.