Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith turned down major payday to stay at OSU
Jeremiah Smith says he could have earned more than $10 million by transferring, but stayed at Ohio State, where the NFL money may still be bigger.
The money was elsewhere, but Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith chose to stay. The OSU superstar claims he reportedly (sub required) turned down over $10 million offers to transfer out elsewhere and instead will be focused on developing his skills and winning a College Football Playoff national championship with the Buckeyes . This story adds yet another layer to one of the biggest offseason decisions in all of college football, but one that may ultimately pay off in the long-term.
While no team was specifically named, there were rumors ever since the loss in the college football playoff that the University of Miami would aggressively pursue Jeremiah. Ultimately, Smith stayed put in Columbus, prioritizing legacy, development, and his commitment to Ohio State over a massive short-term payday. That decision carries obvious risk in the short term, but it could pay off in a bigger way down the road.
OSU has built a strong case as WRU, producing a steady stream of receivers who have turned their college success into major NFL contracts. The most recent example is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, another former Buckeye receiver, who reportedly agreed to a four-year, $168. 6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks that included more than $120 million guaranteed.
That deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history and reinforced the financial ceiling for Ohio State pass catchers at the next level. NEW: Jeremiah Smith tells @Clowfb he could've made massive money if he entered the transfer portal this offseason: "Over 10 million dollars, easy. " Smith added: "I came to Ohio State for a reason, to win championships, develop as a player and a person and keep building on this… pic.