Brittany Renner, a 34-year-old model and social media personality, is catching heat after publicly declaring her intention to pursue young college athletes who are cashing in on their name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. With the NCAA now allowing players to profit from their fame, a new wave of millionaire college stars has emerged—and Renner has made it clear she's interested.
During a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Renner didn't mince words: “I need a young NIL millionaire. I need that.” She doubled down, adding, “I’m looking for them young NIL millionaires.” Her comments have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing her of targeting impressionable student-athletes.
One of the names reportedly on Renner's radar is Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The 20-year-old is considered one of the best players in college football and boasts an NIL valuation around $5 million. Smith is projected to be a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, making him an attractive target for someone like Renner.
Renner is no stranger to dating athletes. She has a son with NBA forward P.J. Washington, whom she met during his college days at Kentucky. The couple went public in 2020 and welcomed their son, Paul III, in 2021. Renner also had a brief, 52-day marriage to rapper Kevin Gates, which ended in 2025—a fact that hasn't escaped notice in the court of public opinion.
The backlash has been swift and sharp. Social media users didn't hold back, with one commenter writing, “You can see the pain in her eyes.” Another urged, “Disturbing. Leave these college athletes alone.” A concerned fan added, “Do not mess with Jeremiah Smith before the Ohio State football season! The Buckeyes need him in a big way.”
The timing is particularly sensitive for Ohio State, which enters the 2026 season as the unanimous No. 1 team in both the AP and Coaches' Polls. Head coach Ryan Day's squad opens the season on Sept. 5 against Ball State at 12:30 p.m. ET on BTN, followed by a Week 2 trip to Texas. Any off-field distractions could derail a championship run.
Renner's comments also spotlight the growing tension around NIL money and the influence it attracts. As more athletes sign lucrative deals, they become targets for opportunists and hangers-on. This situation echoes concerns from coaches about the system's impact on the sport.
While some defend Renner's right to date who she wants, the overwhelming sentiment is that pursuing college students—who are often barely out of their teens—crosses a line. The debate is unlikely to fade, especially as NIL deals continue to grow and more athletes find themselves in the spotlight.
For now, Smith and the Buckeyes are focused on their title hopes, but the drama off the field is a reminder that college sports are changing in ways no one could have predicted. Whether Renner will actually land her “young NIL millionaire” remains to be seen, but she's certainly succeeded in stirring up controversy.
