Sparrow Road Sports Signs Two-Sport IMG Academy Standout Julian Smith

U15 Pan American double gold medalist in wrestling also competes for IMG Academy football team

October 6, 2026 — Sparrow Road Sports today announced it will represent IMG Academy two-sport athlete Julian Smith in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) marketing and partnership opportunities.

One of the most accomplished young wrestlers in the country, Smith represented Team USA at the 2026 U15 Pan American Championships in Mexico City, where he won double gold in Freestyle and Greco-Roman at 75 kg. He begins his high school wrestling career at IMG Academy as one of the sport’s most promising talents.

In addition to his mat exploits, Smith is an emerging talent on the gridiron, also competing for the nationally-recognized IMG Academy football program. As a two-sport standout at IMG Academy, Smith will continue his athletic development in one of the world’s premier environments for young athletes.

Sparrow Road Sports will work with Smith and his family to identify and manage NIL opportunities, including brand partnerships, endorsements, appearances and other marketing initiatives that will fit his athletic career and personal brand.

Quotes

“I am blessed and excited to join the Sparrow Road family. I thank God every day for the ability to compete, and I put in the work — on the mat, on the field, and in the classroom — to honor the gifts He has given me. I have got a team behind me now that believes in me, and I am ready for what is ahead.” – Julian Smith

“As parents, everything we do is about putting Julian in the best position to succeed while protecting who he is. Signing with Sparrow Road felt right from the start — they see Julian the athlete and Julian the young man, and we are excited about what this partnership will bring.” – Daquan and Toni Smith, Julian’s parents

“Julian is like a little brother to me. I have been fortunate enough to coach him for over two years and now have the great honor of helping him navigate his athletic career. Julian is a super athlete that has the opportunity to do something that we have not seen in a very long time. He’s one of the top wrestlers in the world and has the ability to be one of the top football recruits in the country too. Not only is he a great athlete, but he is a great person that comes from an amazing family. Julian is very strong in his faith and is a very caring person. The future is extraordinarily bright for Julian and it’s such an honor to be in his corner.” – Johnny Buchanan, Co-Founder of Sparrow Road Sports

“Julian Smith is one of the most exciting young athletes in America and we are thrilled to be working with him. His potential is limitless in both wrestling and football. He has an opportunity to make an impact at the highest levels of both sports.” – Dante Carnevale, Co-Founder of Sparrow Road Sports