Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith recently responded to a satire report about his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) payments. He wanted to make it clear: he’s definitely not playing for free.
The report suggested Smith turned down NIL money to help Ohio State field a better roster. Smith himself jumped on social media to set things straight.
As Smith enters what’s probably his final college season, he’s on the verge of breaking several school records. Fans are buzzing about what’s next for Ohio State football in the 2026 season.
Jeremiah Smith Sets the Record Straight on NIL Payments
Smith addressed the satire report on social media, responding with a laughing emoji and a simple, confused “Huh???”. There’s no doubt he’s benefiting from NIL deals.
The satire post, even though it was clearly labeled, still managed to confuse some fans. Smith’s reaction was a pretty good reminder that top athletes aren’t missing out on NIL opportunities—and he’s no exception.
Smith’s Stellar Performance on the Field
Smith’s career at Ohio State has been wild, honestly. As a freshman, he caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, playing a huge role in the Buckeyes’ national title run.
He followed up with another big season: 87 receptions, 1,243 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 2025. Heading into 2026, he’s just 42 catches, 340 yards, and eight touchdowns away from being Ohio State’s all-time leader in every major receiving category.
Ohio State’s 2026 Football Season Outlook
With the 2026 season coming up, there are a few things worth keeping an eye on. Ohio State announced in May that a new turf playing surface is going in at Ohio Stadium.
Fans can check out the progress with the *Turf Tours* experience, running July 22-31. The tours hit the press box, locker room, and some premium seating, ending with a field-level look at the new turf as it’s installed.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
Ohio State’s 2026 football schedule is stacked with big games and events. Here are some dates you might want to jot down:
- Big Ten Media Days: July 28-30, 2026
- Season Opener vs. Ball State: September 5, 2026
- The Game 2026 (vs. Michigan): November 28, 2026
- Big Ten Championship Game: December 5, 2026
- College Football Playoff First Round: December 18-19, 2026
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: December 30, 2026 – January 1, 2027
- College Football Playoff Semifinal: January 14-15, 2027
- College Football Playoff National Championship Game: January 25, 2027
Betting Odds and Predictions
If you’re into sports betting, Jeremiah Smith is currently at +1400 to win the Heisman Trophy on DraftKings. He’s one of the top wide receivers in college football, so those odds aren’t too surprising.
For a full breakdown on using the DraftKings app and to see the latest 2026 Heisman Trophy odds, check out our [DraftKings Sportsbook review](https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/07/ohio-state-wr-jeremiah-smith-debunks-satire-report-about-his-nil-payments-buckeye-breakfast.html).
Smith’s Path to the Heisman
Winning the Heisman Trophy isn’t easy—never has been. But Smith’s stats and talent put him in the conversation.
He’s got a real shot at breaking Ohio State’s all-time records this year. Watching how he performs in the upcoming games should be pretty interesting for anyone following college football.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Smith’s response to the satire report about his NIL payments really brings up how much clarity still matters in media reporting. He’s gearing up for what could be his final season at Ohio State.
There’s a brand new turf at Ohio Stadium, and the schedule is packed with some genuinely exciting games. The 2026 season? It just might be one Buckeye fans won’t forget anytime soon.
If you want more details or just want to keep up with Ohio State football, the original article on [cleveland.com](https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/07/ohio-state-wr-jeremiah-smith-debunks-satire-report-about-his-nil-payments-buckeye-breakfast.html) is worth a look.
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