How college football's best WR Jeremiah Smith signed with Adidas while starring for Nike-based Ohio State

Smith has signed with Adidas, a major move for ahead of college football's 2025 season. Smith registered 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 TDs last season as a 5-star true freshman sensation for the national champions, who are a unanimous top 5 team ahead of the new campaign.

How does that work?
>CBS spoke to a source with knowledge of the agreement, who acknowledged Smith would still wear Nike with the Buckeyes this season.
>"Off the field, Jeremiah will be in Adidas product, along with any brand marketing (spots) and individual social media posts," the source said.

Does off the field include when he's sitting on the sideline in street clothes injured or when he's getting off the team plane in front of all the cameras?

The source noted that a similar scenario previously unfolded for current WNBA rookie Hailey Van Lith, who initially transferred from Louisville -- an Adidas school -- to Nike-sponsored LSU (a Nike school)... Van Lith's NIL deal with Adidas carried over to Baton Rouge

"One of the most memorable moments from last season was losing my black stripe and officially becoming a Buckeye," Smith said in a press release. "Fast forward a year and I'm blessed to be adding three, joining the fastest brand in football. It's crazy to be partnering with a brand that has such a talented roster of players and that I've been wearing since I was a young kid. We're not done yet."

Smith told The Athletic of his new deal that being a part of the brand was "something special" as his football career continues to leap forward.

"I've been wearing Adidas since I was a young kid, 11, 10 years old," Smith said.

Smith joins an Adidas portfolio that includes Mahomes, Travis Hunter and former Ohio State stars Garrett Wilson and Emeka Egbuka. He shattered numerous freshman program records in 2024 and is one of this fall's Heisman frontrunners