Ohio State Football Stars Sign NIL Deals For New Cars
Cars have proven to be a popular — and lucrative — Name, Image and Likeness partnership, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a savvy college football veteran or if you haven’t played a down of football yet.
Two Ohio State players proved that earlier this week, as current edge rusher Jack Sawyer and one of the Buckeyes’ top recruits for 2024, Jeremiah Smith, announced NIL deals with Ricart Automotive.
According to Ricart Automotive owner Rick Ricart, Sawyer will ride in a red Rabid Customs Ford F-150. This is the third year that Sawyer has partnered with the dealership.
Meanwhile, Smith will get a Dodge Durango 392. Ricard Automotive announced the deal on social media.
This is a natural partnership for both players and for Ricart, who sits on the board for one of Ohio State’s top collectives, The Foundation.
Smith was considered by most to be the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the nation and to some services he was the No. 1 overall recruit, including 247Sports and On3.com. From Opa Locka, Fla., the Chaminade-Madonna Prep product was pursued by just about every major school before he signed with the Buckeyes in December.
He could end up being another first-round wide receiver produced by Ohio State and is the cousin of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.
Sawyer was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and is coming off playing in all 26 games for the Buckeyes the past two seasons. He’s played both the hybrid line and end positions with the Buckeyes.
As a full-time edge rusher last season he had 48 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, along with three quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He should be a key part of Ohio State’s defense once again in 2024.
