Ohio State Star Receiver Rebuffs Outside Offer to Stay in Columbus

Jeremiah Smith says he never considered leaving the Buckeyes despite interest from another major program.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith revealed that he received a significant offer from another major college football program after the Buckeyes' season-ending loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff. However, Smith said he was 'always going to be at Ohio State' and never seriously entertained leaving Columbus.

Why it matters

Smith is one of the top receivers in the country and a likely high draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. His decision to remain committed to Ohio State is a major boost for the Buckeyes as they look to compete for another national championship in 2026.

The details

Smith, who was the nation's top-ranked recruit in 2024, has already cemented his place among Ohio State's all-time great receivers. In just two seasons, he has racked up 2,558 receiving yards (6th in program history) and 27 touchdown catches (5th). His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability make him a focal point of the Buckeyes' offense.

  • After Ohio State's season-ending loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, Smith said a 'certain program' made a strong push to lure him away.
  • Smith entered college as the nation's top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class.

The players

Jeremiah Smith

A star wide receiver at Ohio State who was the nation's top-ranked recruit in 2024. He has already established himself as one of the best receivers in program history.

Julian Sayin

The returning starting quarterback for Ohio State, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025 and is among the top Heisman contenders for 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't surprised. I knew, especially at the end of that game (against Miami), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn't goin' nowhere.”

— Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver

“I was always going to be at Ohio State.”

— Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver

What’s next

With Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin both returning, Ohio State is expected to be among the top contenders for the 2026 national championship. The Buckeyes currently have the best odds to win the title at +550 on FanDuel Sportsbook.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Smith's decision to remain committed to Ohio State is a major boost for the Buckeyes as they look to compete for another national championship. His elite talent and loyalty to the program solidify Ohio State's status as one of the top teams in college football heading into the 2026 season.