BREAKING: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith on Pace for Record-Shattering $200 Million NFL Contract by 2030

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith hasn’t even played a snap of college football yet, but NFL analysts and scouts are already projecting him to rewrite the record books—before he even enters the league. The buzz surrounding Smith, a generational five-star prospect, has reached new heights after a stunning report suggests he could be in line for a historic $200 million NFL contract by the year 2030.

If that prediction comes true, it would make Smith the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history and cement his status as not only one of the best wide receiver prospects of all time—but as a true cultural phenomenon whose rise could reshape the economics of the sport.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound athletic marvel from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, was the consensus No. 1 receiver in the Class of 2024. His recruitment was followed as intensely as that of a blue-chip quarterback, and for good reason. With elite route running, deceptive speed, and a physical presence that mirrors NFL greats like Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson, Smith has scouts salivating.

He’s drawn comparisons to Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson—not after college dominance, but before even playing a down for the Buckeyes. According to several talent evaluators, he is the most polished high school receiver they’ve ever seen.

Jeremiah has the body, mindset, and skill set of a six-year NFL veteran,” one NFC scout said. “He could have played in the league right out of high school. That’s how advanced he is.”

The NFL is entering an era of explosive financial growth. With new broadcast deals, expanded streaming options, international markets, and the growing influence of legalized sports betting, the league’s revenue is expected to exceed $30 billion annually by the end of the decade. Salary caps are rising steadily, and contracts that once seemed unimaginable are becoming the new norm.

In that environment, a transcendent wide receiver like Smith could break the glass ceiling for his position. Recent wide receiver deals have already begun to approach the stratosphere. Tyreek Hill’s four-year, $120 million deal in 2022 was a landmark. In 2024, Justin Jefferson pushed the bar even higher with a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings.

A $200 million deal, likely spread over five or six years, would redefine what’s possible for a non-quarterback—especially a receiver. That kind of payday would put him in the financial tier traditionally reserved for franchise quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen.

Ohio State is no stranger to developing top-tier wide receivers. From Terry McLaurin and Chris Olave to Garrett Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have become a veritable factory for NFL-ready talent. But Smith may be in a league of his own.

He enters a receiver room already loaded with talent, but that hasn’t tempered the hype. Sources inside the program say Smith is already flashing signs of brilliance in summer workouts, and coaches believe he could be a starter from day one. If he performs at the level many expect, Smith could become a Heisman contender and the top overall pick in the NFL Draft by the time he’s eligible in 2027.

And that’s key. If Smith goes No. 1 overall—extremely rare for a wide receiver—he will command not only massive rookie money but also set the stage for a second contract that breaks every record in the book.

Smith is also positioned to dominate off the field. Even before arriving at Ohio State, he was one of the most followed and marketable players in the 2024 class. With the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era in full swing, Smith is already building his brand.

He’s expected to earn millions in NIL deals while still in college, partnering with national brands and perhaps launching his own clothing line or media ventures. All of this will only enhance his leverage when the time comes for NFL negotiations.

Of course, nothing in football is guaranteed. Injuries, unforeseen competition, or coaching instability can derail even the most promising careers. But Smith’s work ethic, football IQ, and maturity have many convinced he won’t just survive—he’ll thrive.