Ohio State Star WR Rejects $10M Transfer Offer

Jeremiah Smith, the nation's top college football wide receiver, turned down a massive NIL deal to stay with the Buckeyes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:36pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in bright neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college football player, conveying the excitement and passion of the sport.A star wide receiver's loyalty to his team outweighs a massive NIL offer, highlighting the continued power of elite college football programs.Today in Miami

Jeremiah Smith, the star wide receiver for Ohio State, has rejected a $10 million NIL offer from another major college football program to transfer. Smith, who is considered the best wide receiver in the sport, says he plans to return to the Buckeyes for his junior season despite the lucrative offer, stating 'that's not how I operate'.

Why it matters

Smith's decision to remain loyal to Ohio State despite a record-breaking NIL offer from a rival school underscores the growing influence of name, image and likeness deals in college football recruiting. As the most valuable college football player outside of the quarterback position, Smith's rejection of the $10 million offer is a significant development in the evolving NIL landscape.

The details

According to reports, Smith received an offer of over $10 million from another unnamed program, likely Miami, his hometown school. However, the star wide receiver ultimately decided to stay at Ohio State, where he has emerged as one of the top players in the country. Smith's NIL valuation is currently estimated at $4.2 million, second nationally only to quarterback Arch Manning.

  • Jeremiah Smith is expected to enter the 2027 NFL Draft after the 2026 college football season.

The players

Jeremiah Smith

The star wide receiver for Ohio State, considered the best in college football. He was the virtual consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class.

Ohio State

The college football program that Jeremiah Smith currently plays for, where he has emerged as a top player and is expected to compete for a national championship.

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What they’re saying

“Over $10 million, easy. But that's not how I operate.”

— Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver

What’s next

Jeremiah Smith is expected to have a dominant junior season at Ohio State as the Buckeyes aim to win the national championship.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Smith's decision to turn down a record-breaking $10 million NIL offer and remain loyal to Ohio State underscores the growing power of top college football players to dictate their own futures. Despite the lucrative financial incentive, Smith chose to stay with the Buckeyes, prioritizing his development and the chance to compete for a title over a short-term payday.