Ohio State's Jack Sawyer, Jeremiah Smith ink NIL deals with Ricart Automotive

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Ohio State Buckeye Spring Practice Intel | "Natty Or Bust"| Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Smith, Will Howard

Jeremiah Smith will be driving around Columbus, Ohio, in style throughout his freshman season.

The Ohio State wide receiver and No. 1 prospect in the 2024 recruiting class has inked an NIL deal with Ricart Automotive, the car dealership announced on social media on Tuesday. Along with veteran EDGE Jack Sawyer, the five-star recruit received keys to a new car in exchange for social media promotion and appearances at events.

According to Tuesday’s social media post, Smith will ride in style with his new Dodge Durango 392. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2024 Durango begins at $74,995. Ricart Automotive president Rick Ricart sits on the board of the Ohio State-driven NIL collective The Foundation.

Smith has already inked agreements with The Foundation and The 1870 Society, the other primary NIL collective for the Buckeyes. Sawyer will be cruising around in a red Rabid Customs Ford F-150 through his deal.

“Congrats, Jack and Jeremiah,” Ricart wrote on social media. “Looking forward to working with you in our community and cheering you on this fall.”

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound wide receiver was the top-rated overall prospect, according to On3 and the On3 Industry Rankings. Jeremiah Smith has drawn comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald, and his talent was in high demand during his recruitment.

With more than 149,000 followers – including 139,000 on Instagram alone – he’s already built a brand that will be attractive in the Columbus market. Plus, more major companies will likely want to partner with him if he finds expected early success in college.

“He’s jumped right in and you guys see the talent, the talent is there,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day recently said. “I think the thing that’s been the most impressive to me so far is the discipline he’s already built in his life and then the skill of playing the position at such a young age as well.”