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Jeremiah Smith Rejects Nike to Sign NIL Deal With Adidas

His decision highlights growing athlete autonomy under new NCAA NIL regulations.

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Sept. 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) cruises into the endzone for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA Division I football game against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.

Overview

  • On July 2, Jeremiah Smith inked a name, image and likeness agreement with Adidas independent of Ohio State’s official sponsorship structure.
  • He turned down a Nike offer despite the Buckeyes’ existing $252 million NIL partnership with the brand.
  • Smith pledged “Three Stripes for life” and noted he has worn Adidas since he was about 10 years old.
  • The freshman standout posted 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to a national championship last season.
  • His deal illustrates the impact of the NCAA’s Deloitte-managed NIL Go clearinghouse in allowing athletes to secure third-party endorsements.