Playing football at Ohio State was never about the short-term money for WR Jeremiah Smith, and that has become more apparent as his college career has progressed. Smith is making a large amount of cash with the Buckeyes, but it doesn’t compare to what he could make elsewhere through the transfer portal. 

“I came to Ohio State for a reason, to win championships, develop as a player, and keep building on this legacy,” Smith told On3’s Chris Low. “I might have grown up in South Florida, but I’m a Buckeye. That’s not changing. I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Despite other schools’ efforts to get Smith, maybe it was Miami, maybe it wasn’t. He’s back at Ohio State for his junior season, which will be his last before he makes the jump to the NFL. 

Jeremiah Smith isn’t done yet at Ohio State 

Year 3 could be the best season yet for Smith in an Ohio State uniform. Though he’s already beaten Michigan and won a national championship, No. 4 isn’t done yet. 

“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, but there’s still some unfinished business,” Smith stated. 

As a true freshman in 2024, Smith burst onto the scene with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches in 16 games with a national title win. Smith followed his freshman season with 1,243 receiving yards and 12 touchdown grabs in 13 games. 

The Florida native is on his way to shattering every wide receiver record at Ohio State and it’s most impressive because he looked like a pro from Day 1. Another part of this is the talent is undeniable, but the person and loyalty stand out too. Smith didn’t have to choose Ohio State and could have left when Brian Hartline did. 

In the end, the legacy he’s carving out means too much to him. A kid from South Florida has completely embraced being a Buckeye and undoubtedly looks like the best to ever do it in the scarlet and gray.