Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith took the college football world by storm last season, breaking out in a big way as the Buckeyes captured their first National Championship in a decade.
Now entering his sophomore year, Smith is expected to take an even bigger step forward as the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense.
Recently, the Buckeyes’ most recognizable star inked a deal with Adidas—choosing the Three Stripes over Nike, the brand long associated with both Ohio State and the NFL. Many were surprised by the decision, wondering why Smith didn’t align with the leading sportswear brand worn by his school and professional football.
“I’ve been wearing Adidas since I was a young kid—11, 10 years old,” Smith said in an interview with The Athletic. “To be a part of the brand is something special.”
Ohio State’s superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith: ‘I’m not finished’
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) July 1, 2025
I had a chance to spend some time around @Jermiah_Smith1 and his Dad on Sunday at the OT7 Playoffs. Even after a sensational freshman year, he’s still the same humble guy https://t.co/Oms7vcIs0I
Three Stripes for life
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) July 2, 2025
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) July 2, 2025
Ohio State’s most marketable player is now an Adidas-sponsored athlete, set to promote the brand both on the field and across his social media platforms. In high school, Smith played for an Adidas-sponsored 7-on-7 team, so the partnership runs deep. This move, while unexpected to some, makes perfect sense given his history with the brand.
https://t.co/8O26e7kEPW pic.twitter.com/N1F1RlrIJY
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) July 2, 2025
Expect Smith to carry his Adidas partnership into the NFL and potentially become one of the company’s biggest stars at the professional level once he gets there in a couple of years.
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