Shockwaves in Columbus: Jeremiah Smith Faces Off-Field NIL Turmoil as Ohio State Adjusts Budget – Sparks Fan Outrage

Columbus, Ohio – Buckeye Nation is in an uproar after news broke that superstar freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is caught in the crossfire of Ohio State’s ongoing internal adjustments related to their NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) budget. Amid one of the most anticipated football offseasons in years, fans are blindsided by a sudden off-field controversy surrounding their prized recruit, throwing a cloud over what many hoped would be a drama-free lead-up to the 2025 campaign.

Sources close to the program revealed late Friday night that Ohio State’s athletic department is undergoing a major reshuffling of its NIL funds, a move intended to increase long-term sustainability in the wake of escalating player compensation demands across college football. However, the ripple effects have apparently reached star talents like Jeremiah Smith—an athlete who was not only the top-ranked receiver in the 2024 recruiting class but also the face of Ohio State’s next-generation offensive identity.

Smith, who enrolled early and has already made waves during spring practices with his elite route-running and physical dominance, was reportedly “blindsided” by a delay in a portion of his NIL compensation. Though the specifics remain unclear due to non-disclosure clauses in many NIL contracts, insiders say the issue stems from a recently enacted internal policy capping short-term NIL disbursements to ensure the program remains financially stable throughout the season.

Jeremiah is the future. How are we supposed to compete with Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan if we can’t even keep our promises to our top players?” wrote one enraged poster on an Ohio State fan forum. Others called the situation “a self-inflicted disaster” and warned that such missteps could hurt recruiting momentum going forward.

Smith, for his part, has not commented publicly. However, multiple sources confirmed that the receiver remains committed to the program—at least for now—and is still practicing with the team. But with transfer rumors already starting to swirl, fans are holding their breath.

This isn’t the first time the Buckeyes have had to confront the new reality of college sports economics. In a recent interview, OSU athletic director Gene Smith (no relation to Jeremiah) hinted that the university was reevaluating its approach to NIL, warning that “even a program of our size has financial limits.”

In the case of Jeremiah Smith, it appears that the program may have done exactly that—offering high-value NIL deals to secure top-tier recruits before fully assessing how those deals would coexist with broader roster-wide obligations. Now, as the bill comes due, the Buckeyes are having to make uncomfortable recalibrations.

If Smith’s situation remains unresolved, it could serve as a cautionary tale for other elite prospects considering Ohio State. And in a college football landscape where perception matters as much as performance, the Buckeyes may be facing more than just internal budget issues—they could be risking their reputation.

Some rivals are already taking notice. One SEC assistant coach reportedly texted a recruit, “You sure you want to go somewhere that might not pay what they promise?”—a clear shot at the developing situation in Columbus.

Despite the controversy, there’s still time for Ohio State to right the ship. Several boosters and NIL collectives associated with the Buckeyes have reportedly stepped in to offer assistance and ensure Smith receives what was agreed upon. The collective “The Foundation,” which has been central to many of OSU’s NIL deals, issued a vague statement saying it is “committed to supporting all Ohio State athletes equitably and responsibly.”

Ryan Day, who has often been thrust into the center of NIL-related conversations, has remained quiet on the issue, perhaps in an attempt to avoid inflaming an already sensitive matter. But silence may not serve him well for long. As fall camp approaches and the pressure to deliver a national title mounts, leadership from the top could make all the difference in holding the locker room together.