Overview
- A satire account run by Shane Tuttle posted a fake quote saying Smith would give up his NIL earnings to help Ohio State, and the post used a professional-looking graphic that misled many users.
- Smith replied on his verified X account with a laughing, confused reaction that made clear the claim was false and refuted the viral report.
- Valuation services continue to list Smith as one of college sports’ highest NIL assets, with On3 estimating his market value at roughly $5 million and ranking him behind only Arch Manning.
- Smith’s on-field résumé — 163 catches for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns through two seasons, a 2024 national title, and All‑American honors — feeds both his NIL deals and his standing as a potential top pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
- The episode highlights how NIL earnings work as estimated, fluctuating endorsement values and shows that parody posts can quickly distort public perception of athletes and their finances.