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UCF's John Rhys Plumlee enters NIL partnership with Pepsi

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John Rhys Plumlee
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

John Rhys Plumlee is becoming a must-get athlete for brands.

The UCF quarterback has signed his fourth NIL partnership this month, entering into a relationship with Pepsi. The two-sport athlete opens the season Thursday night when Kent State visits The Bounce House. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on FS1.

Plumlee’s deal with the soda distributor is unique in the NIL space. Past the social media campaign he’s launched in conjunction with Pepsi and Publix, the agreement would not have existed roughly six months ago. Before Florida’s NIL law amendment passed in February, the quarterback would not have been allowed to promote the brand because UCF athletics has a sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola.

Now the law no longer stops athletes from entering into agreements that conflict with their institution’s contracts. In a video promoting PepsiCo, the quarterback is seen walking around Publix with his helmet and pads.

“Yo, it’s your boy JRP,” he says. “I’ve never really had a lot of time to do a lot of tailgating but my friends from PepsiCo hooked me up, told me about homegating. Stocking up here at Publix for tonight’s game.”

John Rhys Plumlee’s growing NIL portfolio

One of the top returning quarterbacks in college football with his dual-threat capabilities, Plumlee led UCF to a 9-5 record in his first year as the starter. The former four-star recruit also led all quarterbacks nation in rushing in the regular season, racking up 861 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also a center fielder for the Knights’ baseball team, playing in 58 games this spring, batting .286.

Earlier this week he announced plans to donate all proceeds from his jersey sales this season to the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Currently on sale at Fanatics for $139, this is not the first time Plumlee has given back to the hospital. The two-way athlete spent time with some kids this past June at Ryan Seacrest Studios, taping a podcast.

Plumlee has also worked with Icy Hot, Mizzen + Main and Carl Black of Orlando in the last 30 days. The NIL star has more than 166,000 social media followers.