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Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith Offered Massive NIL Deal to Enter Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 11:36 AM ET

Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had arguably the biggest play of Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship game when he hauled in a 56-yard reception on third-and-11 with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter that set up and Ohio State field goal that put the game out of reach for Notre Dame.

Some consider Smith the Buckeyes’ best player despite turning 19 back in November, and others believe he’s already a top-five receiver in college football, which is why Smith is one of the hottest targets for WR-needy teams throwing big money at him to try and lure him away from Columbus.

According to On3’s Peter Nakos, Smith already has a $4.5 million NIL deal on the table from an unnamed team to leave Ohio State, and other industry insiders believe those offers will only increase during the offseason.

Though On3 didn’t mention which team put the offer out to Smith, Matt Hayes of USA Today speculated the Miami Hurricanes could be a team to watch to make a hard push for the freshman star after throwing $4 million at former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck just a few weeks ago.

Smith, who totaled 76 catches, 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, grew up in the Miami area, winning three state titles for Chaminade-Madonna Prep in nearby Hollywood, FL.

“With the NFL still two years away for Smith, why risk a potential career-defining injury without earning as much as you possibly can?” Hayes wrote. “This isn't about staying true to your school. It's about financial security in a physically-demanding business, where the end is always one play away. … Again, it's fiscally reckless for Smith, or any elite college player on a one-year deal, to not see what else is out there.”

Smith isn’t the only player Ohio State has to worry about losing either. Nakos also mentioned that sophomore receiver Carnell Tate has been offered an NIL deal in excess of $1 million to enter the portal as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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