Ohio State Star Receiver Turns Down $10M Transfer Offer

Jeremiah Smith rejects lucrative deal to remain loyal to Buckeyes program

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:20pm

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Ohio State standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had the opportunity to enter the transfer portal and cash in on a reported $10 million NIL deal from another program, but he turned it down to stay loyal to the Buckeyes. Smith, who had a breakout sophomore season in 2025 with 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, cited his desire to win championships and develop further at Ohio State as the reasons he spurned the massive payday.

Why it matters

Smith's decision to forgo a life-changing amount of money and remain at Ohio State highlights the growing power of player loyalty in college sports, especially as the transfer portal and NIL deals have created new avenues for players to cash in. His choice to prioritize team success and long-term development over a short-term financial windfall sets an example for other elite prospects weighing their options.

The details

Multiple programs, including Miami, reportedly made strong pushes to get Smith into the transfer portal and offer him over $10 million in NIL deals. However, the standout receiver said 'that's not how I operate' and that he came to Ohio State 'to win championships, develop as a player and a person and keep building on this legacy.' Smith knows Ohio State's track record of producing NFL-ready receivers, and he believes staying in Columbus gives him the best shot at achieving his goals of winning a national title and making it to the pros.

  • Smith had a breakout sophomore season in 2025.

The players

Jeremiah Smith

A standout wide receiver at Ohio State who turned down a reported $10 million NIL offer to enter the transfer portal and instead remained loyal to the Buckeyes program.

Ohio State

The college football program that Smith chose to stay with, citing their track record of developing NFL-ready receivers and his desire to win championships.

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What they’re saying

“Over 10 million dollars, easy. But that's not how I operate. No reason to go back home, not when I'm at the best place in the country. I came to Ohio State for a reason, to win championships, develop as a player and a person and keep building on this legacy.”

— Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver

What’s next

Smith will look to build on his breakout 2025 season and lead Ohio State to a national championship in 2026.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Smith's decision to turn down a reported $10 million NIL offer and remain loyal to Ohio State highlights the growing power of player commitment and long-term development over short-term financial windfalls in college sports. His choice sets an example for other elite prospects weighing their options in the transfer portal era.