In a jaw-dropping turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football and business worlds, Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ standout wide receiver, has reportedly inked a record-shattering $100 million endorsement deal with billionaire philanthropist and retail magnate Les Wexner.
At just 19 years old, Smith has redefined what’s possible for student-athletes under the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policy, becoming the highest-paid collegiate athlete in history.
But in a move that’s as bold off the field as it is on it, Smith is giving back in a way few could have predicted.
🔥 A Heartfelt Gesture: $50 Million to Help the Next Generation
In a statement released this morning, Smith announced he will donate $40 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, specifically targeting underserved communities in Ohio, Florida, and the Midwest. He also pledged an additional $10 million to “Hope’s Haven,” a Columbus-based orphanage that he says “helped shape the man I am today.”
“Football is what I do. Giving back is who I am,” Smith told reporters at a packed press conference. “This isn’t about being the richest. It’s about making the biggest difference.”
💼 The Deal That Changed Everything
The endorsement deal was quietly negotiated over the summer and finalized just days before Ohio State’s season opener. While details remain closely guarded, insiders reveal it includes Smith becoming the face of a rebranded luxury-athleisure line spearheaded by Wexner, founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works).
The partnership also includes equity stakes, philanthropic match funding, and a multi-media content platform slated to launch in early 2026.
🏈 A Star on the Rise
Smith, a 5-star recruit out of Florida and the crown jewel of Ohio State’s receiving corps, is already being hailed as a generational talent. NFL scouts are calling him a “top-3 lock” in future draft projections, while his off-the-field poise has many comparing him to LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes.
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