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Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the top-ranked player in the 2024 recruiting cycle according to 24/7 Sports. The Sunshine State pass catcher plans to make his college decision at an upcoming Signing Day ceremony.
While he may have an idea of where he’s headed, suitors continue to work to change his mind. Smith says that cash is being used as the top incentive.
The Ohio State pledge doesn’t plan on chasing the money. Instead, he’s looking for the best fit.
247 Sports sat down with Smith to talk about that pending decision.
“Show me the things better than what Ohio State is going to do for me,” he said about other schools recruiting him. “I went up there and they have a plan for me already… If I go to a school and they show they can do better than what Ohio State is giving me… that’s what it’s going to take.”
While he seems locked into the Buckeyes for now, instate schools Florida, Florida State, and Miami remain in the mix. They’re supposedly using NIL as a top recruiting tool.
“Everybody is throwing all types of money at us right now… Miami is throwing all types of money at me. Florida. Just a lot of schools.”
Jeremiah Smith recruitment exemplifies new age of college football.
As NIL and the transfer portal continue to make offseason headlines, stories of bidding wars and tampering run rampant. Throw conference realignment into the mix and we’re seeing a brand-new world in the sport.
Teams like Oregon State and Washington State have become notable victims after being left behind by their PAC 12 brethren. With uncertainty surrounding the programs, outsiders have come to poach.
Cougars quarterback Cam Ward is in the portal, reportedly garnering seven-figure interest from schools across the country.
The Beavers, meanwhile, have now lost their head coach, QB1, QB2, and more.
Others are being hit hard, too. This is by far the most active transfer portal we’ve seen, mirroring college-wide free agency without restriction. Starters and reserves alike are entering the portal, some in hopes of landing playing time and others in pursuit of the best financial situation.
Head coaches have been against many of the recent changes, comparing this new market to the Wild, Wild West. It’s led to not only roster management issues but has turned every head coach into an NIL salesman as they beg for fan and school support.
As of now, it doesn’t seem a change is on its way. In the meantime, the bidding wars will continue.