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Jeremiah Smith Is Likely Getting Huge Pay Day To Stay At Ohio State

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 6:29 PM ET

Unfortunately for NFL fans, Jeremiah Smith has two more years before he can go pro. At least he can now get paid to stay in school.

Ohio State's wide receiver capped off a brilliant first year in Monday's National Championship Game. Smith submitted 88 yards and a touchdown in a 34-23 win over Notre Dame in Atlanta.

A returning Smith gives the Buckeyes the nation's most prolific playmaker next season. But it could be expensive keeping him in scarlet and gray.

According to 247Sports' Brad Crawford, a source speculated that it will cost Ohio State more than $3 million to retain Smith next season. That's believed to be the highest NIL payment for any non-quarterback.

Carson Beck reportedly received $4 million to transfer from Georgia to Miami this offseason. On3 gives Smith a $4 million NIL evaluation, the third-highest amount of any college football player after Arch Manning and Beck.

After winning a national championship with a $20 million roster, the Buckeyes may not pinch pennies with their budding superstar.

"For Ohio State, it's absolutely worth it," the source said.

If making $3 million, Smith would receive more than this year's No. 18 pick's rookie salary. Then again, the star wideout could easily go No. 1 overall if he was eligible to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

As a true freshman, Smith tallied 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns in 16 games. He scored five times during Ohio State's triumphant CFP run and collected 187 yards in a second-round win over Oregon.

Smith once again stepped up on the brightest spotlight. Ohio State nearly gave Notre Dame back the ball with a chance to tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion. However, Will Howard found his top target downfield for a game-sealing 56-yard grab on third down.

The Fighting Irish apparently didn't hear Smith's warning to Oregon about not defending him with man-to-man coverage.

"We felt like we had an advantage with Jeremiah on that shot, and we talked about it all week," head coach Ryan Day said, per USA Today's Dan Wolken. "We really hadn't thrown one all game, and it was like, you know what, game on the line, let's just go."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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