Caleb Downs left Alabama, a program known for having some of the best players in college football and developing said players into superstars at the next level. Why did he do that?
Well, most would argue that NIL was the key reason for the safety’s decision. That’s exactly the rationale as to why Ohio State football fans shouldn’t be upset if Jeremiah Smith transfers.
Smith is a young man looking to make his name known in a sport that often has seen career-ending injuries. That’s why USA Today’s Matt Hayes made the case that Smith should look elsewhere.
“But by entering the portal, he can also see what the market will bring — then go back to Ohio State and see if the Buckeyes will match it. And if they don’t or can’t, he moves on with a championship and memories that will still last a lifetime,” Hayes wrote.
Smith had an all-time freshman season, and he proved to be the best receiver in the country. Unfortunately, he still has a few collegiate seasons left, and some are making the argument that he should maximize what he can make, whether that be at Ohio State or elsewhere.
Now at @usatodaysports: Ohio State star WR Jeremiah Smith should enter transfer portal and test open market, and find his best deal — with Ohio State or any other team.https://t.co/3SvDnpadbU
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) January 23, 2025
The star freshman ended this first season with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns, both the best in the Big Ten. He had arguably the most impressive receiving season by any freshman in college football’s history.
While he will more than likely stay a Buckeye, it would be interesting to see what the portal could offer him, especially if he could be looking at an eight-figure NIL deal in the near future.
