Breaking News: Forget Loyalty, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Should Enter Transfer Portal to Cash In After…

### Forget Loyalty, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Should Enter Transfer Portal to Cash In After National Title

In the ever-evolving world of college football, the lines between loyalty, financial opportunity, and career trajectory have blurred significantly. One player at the center of this conversation is Jeremiah Smith, a wide receiver for Ohio State University. With the NCAA’s recent developments surrounding the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and the pursuit of national titles, Smith stands at a critical juncture in his career. While loyalty to his team and school may seem like the noble path, the realities of modern college football suggest that it could be in his best interest to enter the transfer portal and capitalize on the opportunities that await him.

This article delves into the multifaceted reasons why Jeremiah Smith, a standout player with enormous potential, should consider making the move to the transfer portal, regardless of his loyalty to Ohio State.

#### The Shift in College Football: Transfer Portal and NIL

The advent of the transfer portal and NIL has fundamentally changed the landscape of college football. These developments have leveled the playing field for athletes in ways that were previously unimaginable. Players are no longer tethered to their initial schools, and the focus has shifted toward individual success, personal brand development, and the possibility of cashing in on their marketability.

The transfer portal allows players to change schools without penalty, while NIL offers athletes the chance to profit from their name, image, and likeness. For players like Jeremiah Smith, who are expected to have professional careers, both of these innovations present life-altering opportunities. Why settle for the status quo when one could potentially earn more money, get more exposure, and advance one’s professional prospects by exploring different options?

While loyalty to Ohio State and its historic football program may be a consideration, loyalty alone no longer dictates a player’s path to success in today’s college football ecosystem. Players must be business-savvy and take into account what will ultimately give them the best chance to succeed both on and off the field.

#### Jeremiah Smith’s On-Field Success: A National Title Run

At the time of writing, Smith is coming off a strong season at Ohio State. He’s been one of the most explosive receivers in college football, showing a combination of speed, size, and route running that places him in the conversation for top-tier prospects heading into the NFL Draft. As one of the top players in his class, he has a chance to not only make a significant impact on his current team but also to set himself up for even greater opportunities elsewhere.

In the context of Ohio State, Smith is positioned to play a vital role in the team’s efforts to win a national title. Given the Buckeyes’ history of producing NFL-caliber talent and their perennial position in the national championship conversation, this could be the ideal time for Smith to secure a national title and subsequently capitalize on the heightened exposure.

Winning a national championship could propel Smith into the limelight, increasing his visibility and opening doors for lucrative NIL deals. However, securing a national title isn’t the only way to cash in on his abilities. The emergence of the transfer portal allows Smith the flexibility to explore other programs with similar or even greater potential for immediate national success and NIL opportunities.

#### NIL Deals: Cashing In While Playing for a Championship Contender

In a landscape where players are allowed to profit from their names, NIL has opened the floodgates for financial opportunities. While Ohio State is one of the more lucrative programs in the country in terms of NIL, there’s no guarantee that the money Smith could make with the Buckeyes is the best deal available. Schools like USC, Texas, or Alabama, with massive fan bases and corporate partnerships, could provide even larger opportunities for a player of his stature.

Jeremiah Smith has the potential to be one of the most marketable players in college football. With his playing ability, physical gifts, and name recognition, he could easily command sponsorships, social media deals, and local endorsements. The transfer portal offers a route to seek out better financial offers and NIL partnerships, as well as a fresh start with a program that may have a more advantageous NIL structure in place.

Even though Ohio State is known for its highly profitable NIL opportunities, the possibility of taking his talents elsewhere to cash in on the rising financial opportunities should not be dismissed. Playing for a national contender will only enhance his marketability, but the key to maximizing his financial potential lies in his ability to negotiate and leverage his NIL rights.

#### Ohio State’s Success and Competition: The Case for Exploring Other Options

While Ohio State is undoubtedly one of the most successful and prestigious football programs in the country, it’s not immune to competition. The Buckeyes are far from guaranteed a national championship every season, and they face stiff competition in the form of elite programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and others. As a player with immense potential, Smith must consider whether his personal aspirations can be fully realized at Ohio State, or whether a move to a different program might offer him more chances for success, both in terms of football and financial opportunities.

For instance, Smith may find himself competing for playing time with other highly-ranked recruits at Ohio State, potentially limiting his statistical output. A transfer to a program where he would be the clear number one option could give him more touches, more exposure, and better overall opportunities to showcase his skills. These are important considerations as he evaluates his future.

Moreover, the highly competitive nature of Ohio State’s wide receiver corps, which often includes top-tier recruits, means that Smith could risk being overshadowed by other future NFL stars. Moving to a program where he is the primary focus would not only give him more opportunities to shine but would also make him a central figure in recruiting, increasing his overall value in the eyes of NFL scouts and decision-makers.

#### The NFL Draft: What Does Smith Need to Do to Stand Out?

Ultimately, Jeremiah Smith’s primary goal should be to prepare himself for the NFL Draft. The reality of the NFL is that scouts are looking for players who are consistently dominant and able to perform at the highest level. The best way for Smith to achieve this is by ensuring he has the most opportunities to excel, both on the field and off it.

Entering the transfer portal could be a smart move in this regard, as it may open up a situation where Smith can accumulate better statistics and gain more national exposure. While Ohio State has been great for many players’ careers, there’s no reason why Smith should be confined to one program if another school can offer him the stage to elevate his game. A move could mean the difference between being a first-round pick and slipping into the later rounds.

Moreover, while Ohio State does a fantastic job of developing players for the NFL, the competition within the program could be such that Smith is overshadowed by others. The chance to be the focal point of another program’s offense could better prepare him for the rigors of the professional game, where being the centerpiece of an offense is crucial.

#### Loyalty vs. Opportunity: The Changing Narrative in College Football

Loyalty has long been a cornerstone of college sports, but in the current era, athletes are increasingly recognizing that their futures are driven by a combination of personal goals, financial opportunities, and long-term career ambitions. Jeremiah Smith has shown immense potential at Ohio State, but the changing nature of college football makes it clear that loyalty must be balanced with self-interest. The NCAA’s adoption of NIL and the ease of transferring have created an environment where players are no longer bound to a single program, and they can pursue the opportunities that best align with their personal and professional aspirations.

Smith’s decision to enter the transfer portal would not be an indictment of Ohio State, nor would it be an act of disloyalty. Instead, it would reflect a keen understanding of the financial, professional, and personal opportunities that lie beyond the Buckeyes. In the modern landscape of college football, players must look out for themselves first and foremost, and Jeremiah Smith has the talent, marketability, and potential to significantly benefit from this approach.

#### Conclusion

In conclusion, while loyalty and commitment to Ohio State may seem like the honorable route for Jeremiah Smith, the reality is that the modern college football environment offers him opportunities that transcend traditional notions of loyalty. The combination of NIL, the transfer portal, and his own aspirations to succeed at the next level makes it clear that Smith should seriously consider entering the transfer portal after his national title run. Whether it’s for better financial prospects, more exposure, or a clearer path to the NFL, the transfer portal could be the best decision for his future.

Jeremiah Smith’s potential is undeniable, and he has the rare chance to capitalize on it in ways that were unimaginable for previous generations of college athletes. His success at Ohio State is just one piece of the puzzle; the next step in his career could involve exploring new programs that better align with his goals and aspirations. In the end, college football has evolved into a business, and for athletes like Smith, it’s essential to make decisions that will set them up for long-term success, both on and off the field.