Jeremiah Smith has timed his college career almost suspiciously well, landing in the world of college sports right as the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era exploded. He’s widely considered one of the most talented wide receivers to ever play college football, but it’s not just his moves on the field that have people talking—he’s also made the most of some pretty wild financial opportunities.
This article digs into his journey, the money he’s earned, and some of the choices that have shaped his career. If you want to see the nitty-gritty, check out the original on Yahoo Sports.
Jeremiah Smith’s College Football Journey
Jeremiah Smith’s timing for joining college football was almost uncanny. He arrived just as the NIL era was kicking off, giving athletes a real shot at cashing in on their own names and brands.
Smith’s talent on the field made him a star pretty quickly. His financial success has kept pace with his athletic achievements.
Early Beginnings and NIL Opportunities
Smith started at Ohio State, a powerhouse in college football. The NIL era was just getting started, and honestly, his timing couldn’t have been better.
He wasn’t an instant sensation, but he didn’t have to wait long. Soon enough, he was right in the middle of this new wave in college sports.
Smith’s performances made him a name people actually remembered. Some even say he’s the best college wide receiver we’ve ever seen—hard to argue with that, honestly.
That kind of reputation brings money, but interestingly, he still left a lot on the table.
Financial Gains and NIL Earnings
On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Smith has raked in around $5 million from Ohio State’s collective. That’s just what’s come from the college’s collective, not counting all his NIL deals.
Smith’s story really shows how much the NIL era has changed things for college athletes.
Turning Down a Massive Offer
But here’s where it gets wild: Smith reportedly turned down a huge offer to transfer. There was talk of an unnamed team—maybe the one that beat Ohio State in the Playoffs, and close to his hometown—offering him a jaw-dropping $10 million.
He said no thanks and stayed at Ohio State, only tweaking his contract a bit. That’s some loyalty.
Sure, he left $5 million on the table, but it seems like finishing at Ohio State mattered more to him than the extra cash.
Smith’s Social Media Influence and Brand Partnerships
Smith’s reach isn’t limited to the field. He’s got over a million followers on social media, which makes him a magnet for brands looking to connect with college athletes.
He’s landed direct partnerships with Adidas and Red Bull—those are serious names, and they come with real money.
Adidas and Red Bull Partnerships
His Adidas deal has been especially lucrative. They clearly see him as someone who can move the needle for their brand.
Red Bull’s in the mix, too. They tend to pick athletes who stand out, and Smith fits that bill.
These deals are a sign of the times—athletes with big social media followings can land major brand partnerships. Smith’s ability to pull in these companies says a lot about his marketability.
Top Earners in College Sports
Smith’s earnings are impressive, but he’s not at the very top. That spot goes to Darien Mensah, the new quarterback at The U, who reportedly makes $6.5 million.
After Mensah, there’s Kentucky transfer Milan Momcilovic and Louisville Cardinals transfer center Flory Bidunga, both bringing in $6 million each.
Other Notable Earners
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is up there, too, at $5 million. Smith shares the No. 5 slot with Moore and a handful of others who’ve made the most of the NIL era.
It’s a whole new world for these young stars, who can head into pro leagues with a pretty nice financial cushion already.
The Impact of NIL on College Sports
The NIL era has completely flipped college sports on its head. For Smith, though, it’s never seemed like it was just about the money.
He’s focused on being the best football player he can be. That’s probably why he stuck with Ohio State, even when bigger offers came knocking.
Future Prospects
Smith heads into what’s probably his last season in college football. The future? Honestly, it’s looking pretty great for him.
He’s almost guaranteed to go top-3 in next year’s NFL Draft. That’s a massive stage, and he’ll get to show what he can do all over again.
His college years haven’t just prepped him for the pros. They’ve also given him a pretty solid financial start—something not every player gets.
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