Forget Loyalty: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Should Enter Transfer Portal to Cash In After National Title
In the world of college athletics, loyalty is often emphasized as a core value. Fans, coaches, and athletes alike frequently talk about the importance of commitment to a program, a school, and the broader university community. However, as the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the concept of loyalty is being increasingly challenged by the business side of the sport. This is particularly true for high-profile players like Ohio State’s wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, whose exceptional talents have made him one of the most coveted athletes in college football.
Smith, a standout performer for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has earned national recognition not only for his on-field ability but also for his potential to thrive at the professional level. As he looks ahead to his future, it is becoming increasingly clear that the decision to stay loyal to Ohio State may not be the best course of action, especially when considering the growing role of financial opportunities and the evolving dynamics of college football.
After an impressive season that culminated in Ohio State securing a College Football Playoff National Championship, Jeremiah Smith is positioned at a crossroads in his career. While Ohio State fans would love to see him remain with the team for the foreseeable future, there is an undeniable case to be made for Smith to enter the transfer portal and capitalize on the growing opportunities in college football’s increasingly lucrative market.
The Changing Landscape of College Football: NIL and the Transfer Portal
Before delving into why Jeremiah Smith should consider leaving Ohio State, it is essential to understand the shifting dynamics within the sport, particularly in regard to the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. The introduction of NIL in 2021 revolutionized college sports by allowing athletes to profit from their personal brand, including sponsorships, merchandise deals, and social media promotion.
For players like Smith, this new era represents a vast opportunity to generate significant revenue while still competing at the highest level of college football. With NIL deals becoming more competitive, some players can now earn substantial sums of money, potentially outweighing the financial benefits of staying loyal to one program. As college football becomes more professionalized, the ability to generate income and brand value has become an increasingly important factor in a player’s decision-making process.
Simultaneously, the transfer portal has provided athletes with the opportunity to move freely between schools, giving them more agency in their careers. No longer are players bound to a single program for four years. Instead, they can explore new opportunities and seek out programs that offer the best resources, exposure, and potential for future success—on and off the field.
For Jeremiah Smith, the combination of NIL and the transfer portal presents an unprecedented opportunity. While Ohio State is a prestigious program with a rich history and a national title to its name, there are programs across the country that may offer more appealing financial incentives or a different platform for Smith’s personal and professional growth.
Jeremiah Smith’s Position After the National Title
Jeremiah Smith’s decision will certainly be influenced by his recent success at Ohio State, which culminated in a national championship. The Buckeyes’ victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff was a crowning achievement for Smith, who played a key role in the team’s offensive success throughout the season. His combination of speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability made him one of the most dynamic receivers in the country. With an impressive performance in the national title game, Smith further solidified his reputation as one of college football’s top talents.
However, as much as a national championship enhances Smith’s legacy, it also places him in an ideal position to explore opportunities beyond Ohio State. Many of the nation’s top programs, both in terms of football prowess and financial opportunities, would likely make Smith a priority target if he entered the transfer portal. His value as a commodity has never been higher.
In this light, staying at Ohio State could, ironically, limit Smith’s future potential—both in terms of financial gain and personal development. While Ohio State is a powerhouse and offers a strong platform for athletic success, the prospect of further developing his brand and exploring new NIL opportunities at a different program is an enticing one. In a world where the financial stakes are growing rapidly, the decision to remain loyal to a program may not be in the best interest of a player who has the chance to secure a major payday.
The Financial Potential of Entering the Transfer Portal
One of the primary reasons why Jeremiah Smith should consider entering the transfer portal is the substantial financial opportunities available to him. In today’s college football ecosystem, NIL deals can be incredibly lucrative, especially for high-profile players like Smith who are poised to dominate at the next level.
While Ohio State’s NIL program is robust and offers players opportunities to profit from their name and likeness, other programs—especially those in major markets or with deep-pocketed boosters—may be able to provide Smith with even greater financial incentives. Programs like USC, Texas, or Miami, for example, have established strong NIL programs and have the financial resources to make top-tier athletes significantly more financially comfortable.
Entering the transfer portal also provides Smith with the flexibility to negotiate new NIL deals based on his value to a specific program. Whether it’s through sponsorships, social media engagement, or exclusive partnerships with brands, Smith has the potential to maximize his earning potential in ways that could far exceed what he may receive by remaining at Ohio State.
Additionally, transferring to a program with a larger media market or a more prominent football brand could enhance Smith’s visibility and open doors for endorsement deals with major companies. The ability to capitalize on his success and brand in a way that maximizes his financial security should not be overlooked in today’s college football environment.
The Opportunity for Increased Exposure
Another factor that makes entering the transfer portal an attractive option for Smith is the opportunity for increased exposure. While Ohio State is undoubtedly one of the most well-known football programs in the country, transferring to a different school could give Smith the chance to be the focal point of a new offense or team.
At Ohio State, Smith shares the spotlight with numerous other talented players, including future NFL prospects. While this has its advantages—especially in terms of developing his skills in a competitive environment—it also means that Smith’s individual performance could be overshadowed by the program’s overall success. In contrast, transferring to a team that is looking for a marquee player to lead its offense could give Smith the platform he needs to further showcase his skills and solidify his place as one of college football’s elite players.
For example, teams that are rebuilding or in need of a playmaking receiver could offer Smith the opportunity to become the centerpiece of their offense, which would elevate his profile even further. Programs that are emerging as national contenders but need that final piece to push them over the top could be especially enticing for a player of Smith’s caliber.
The Future: NFL Dreams and Post-College Success
While the financial benefits and exposure in college are compelling reasons for Smith to consider transferring, the ultimate goal for most college football players is to make it to the NFL. For Smith, who is expected to be one of the top wide receiver prospects in his draft class, transferring to a program with a strong NFL pipeline and high visibility could increase his chances of being drafted early.
A successful college career is often key to securing a spot in the NFL, and entering the transfer portal to pursue a more favorable situation could be the best way to maximize his potential. A year or two at a program with superior coaching, exposure, and NIL opportunities could provide the extra boost Smith needs to elevate his draft stock and solidify his place as one of the top picks in the NFL Draft.
Additionally, a year in a new program could provide Smith with a fresh set of coaching perspectives and systems that could better prepare him for the professional ranks. The knowledge and experience gained from playing in different systems and with different coaching styles could only help enhance his overall development as an athlete.
Conclusion: A Smart Business Decision for Jeremiah Smith
In a world where college football is increasingly driven by financial considerations and individual branding, loyalty to a program should not be the sole driving force behind a player’s decision-making process. While Ohio State is undoubtedly a great program and a place where Smith has found success, the rapidly changing landscape of college football offers new opportunities that should not be ignored.
Jeremiah Smith is in a unique position to capitalize on his success after a national championship season. The opportunity to enter the transfer portal and explore new financial deals, greater exposure, and potential NFL success is one that cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, Smith’s decision should be based on what is best for his career—both on and off the field.
In today’s college football world, the idea of loyalty to a single program should be secondary to the pursuit of personal growth, financial security, and long-term success. For Jeremiah Smith, the time may have come to embrace the opportunities that lie beyond Ohio State and take control of his future by entering the transfer portal.
