The name on everyone’s lips in the college football world right now? Jeremiah Smith. The Ohio State Buckeyes’ sensational wide receiver isn’t just making waves—he’s creating a tidal surge that’s sweeping across the nation. As a true freshman, Smith didn’t just “participate” in the 2024 season; he dominated. With an eye-popping 1,315 receiving yards and an astonishing 15 touchdowns, he’s more than just a rising star—he’s a full-blown supernova in scarlet and gray. It’s no wonder many are already whispering his name in Heisman Trophy conversations for 2025.
But with stardom comes temptation. And in the age of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, that temptation often comes with a hefty price tag. Enter the jaw-dropping, headline-grabbing offer: a cool $4.5 million dangled in front of Smith to lure him away from Columbus. Yes, you read that right—$4.5 million. But here’s the kicker: this offer didn’t come through official channels. In fact, Smith wasn’t even in the transfer portal. Welcome to the wild, wild west of college football, where backdoor deals and tampering are the new norm.
The Million-Dollar Question: Loyalty or Lucrative Offers?
Jeremiah Smith isn’t just another player. He’s the cornerstone of Ohio State’s future offense, expected to carry the Buckeyes’ receiving corps on his young but capable shoulders in 2025. When he signed with OSU, NIL agreements already promised him a staggering $3 million for the upcoming season. So, was his loyalty ever in question? Probably not. But as the old saying goes—everyone has a price. And $4.5 million is a number that can make even the most steadfast athletes pause.
However, Smith didn’t flinch. In fact, when rumors swirled about his potential departure, he shut them down with a single, powerful emoji—a simple “100.” Translation? “I’m locked in. I’m loyal. I’m not going anywhere.”
Tampering, Temptations, and the NIL Loophole
But let’s rewind. How did we even get here?
According to CBS Sports analyst Adam Breneman, the NIL landscape has morphed into an unregulated battleground. “Jeremiah Smith was offered $4.5 million to leave Ohio State. That’s insane,” Breneman remarked. “The real problem? He wasn’t even in the transfer portal. This is tampering, plain and simple. NIL deals have turned college football into the wild west.”
Breneman isn’t alone in raising red flags. High-profile coaches like Florida’s Billy Napier and Georgia’s Kirby Smart have voiced their concerns about the dark underbelly of NIL negotiations. Napier bluntly called it a “cutthroat business,” while Smart labeled the current state of affairs as “disturbing and upsetting.” Is it illegal? Not exactly. Is it unethical? That’s up for debate. But one thing’s clear: the NIL system, as it stands, is riddled with loopholes big enough to drive a team bus through.
Ryan Day’s Brutal Reality Check for the NCAA
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day didn’t hold back when addressing the situation. Frustrated with the NCAA’s lack of enforcement, he delivered a scathing critique:
“One of the biggest issues in college football right now is enforcement. You’ve got to value the players, make sure they get what’s fair. But without clear guidelines, everything is gray. Until we have strict rules, people can just call players’ agents—or worse, their parents—and wave money around. That’s the reality.”
Day’s message is crystal clear: the current NIL environment is a breeding ground for unchecked tampering, and without decisive action, chaos will continue to reign.
Can the NCAA Fix This NIL Free-For-All?
Is there a way to restore order? Adam Breneman thinks so. He’s proposed two bold solutions that could reshape the NIL and transfer landscape:
- Bring Back the “Sit-Out” Rule:
Breneman suggests reinstating the rule that forces players to sit out a year after transferring, though without losing eligibility. “If you make immediate transfers less attractive, players will think twice before jumping ship. It adds a layer of accountability and reduces the ‘grass-is-greener’ mentality,” he explained. - Adopt NFL-Style Anti-Tampering Policies:
In the NFL, tampering isn’t just frowned upon—it’s met with hefty fines and severe penalties. Breneman believes the NCAA should follow suit. “College football needs strict no-tampering policies with real consequences. Suspensions, financial penalties—whatever it takes to stop this madness.”
The Bigger Picture: Jeremiah Smith’s Legacy and the Future of College Football
Jeremiah Smith may have turned down the $4.5 million temptation, but his situation shines a glaring spotlight on a system spiraling out of control. This isn’t just about one player—it’s about the future of college athletics.
Will the NCAA step up and enforce rules that protect both programs and athletes? Or will we continue down this path where loyalty has a price tag, and integrity is negotiable?
For now, Buckeye Nation can breathe a sigh of relief. Their star receiver isn’t going anywhere. But make no mistake—this isn’t the end of the story. It’s just the beginning of a new, high-stakes era in college football.
And as for Jeremiah Smith? He’s not just chasing touchdowns anymore—he’s redefining what it means to be loyal in a world obsessed with the bottom line.
