Ohio State Fights to Retain Top Talent After National Championship Win Amid Massive Transfer Portal Offers
Fresh off their National Championship victory, the Ohio State Buckeyes are finding themselves in a new kind of battle—keeping their top talent amid a flood of lucrative offers from rival programs. Two of the team’s standout wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, have reportedly received staggering offers to enter the transfer portal, with Smith offered over $4.5 million and Tate receiving a $1 million proposal.
While Ohio State has solidified itself as a premier destination for college football players, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has created a high-stakes environment where even the most successful programs must fight to retain their stars.
Jeremiah Smith, a freshman phenom and former five-star recruit, played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s championship run. Known for his elite athleticism, exceptional route running, and ability to make clutch plays, Smith is widely regarded as one of the most promising wide receiver prospects in college football.
In his debut season, Smith amassed over 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the most impactful players in the nation. His performance in the National Championship game, where he recorded multiple game-changing plays, further elevated his profile.
The reported $4.5 million offer to Smith underscores how valuable he is not only on the field but also in terms of NIL opportunities. Rival programs are clearly willing to break the bank to lure him away from Columbus.
Carnell Tate, another five-star recruit, also had a standout year for the Buckeyes. As a sophomore, Tate emerged as a reliable target in Ohio State’s high-powered offense, tallying over 900 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Devin Brown was evident throughout the season, and his knack for making contested catches in critical moments made him a fan favorite.
The reported $1 million offer for Tate highlights his rising star status and the growing trend of using NIL deals to entice players into the transfer portal. Tate’s contributions to the team’s success and his potential to become an even bigger star make him a key piece of Ohio State’s future.
The introduction of NIL has fundamentally changed college football, creating a landscape where players are not only competing for championships but also for financial opportunities. For powerhouse programs like Ohio State, this means retaining top talent is no longer just about winning games or developing players for the NFL—it’s also about providing competitive NIL packages.
Ohio State has been proactive in creating NIL opportunities for its players, partnering with collectives and local businesses to ensure athletes are compensated fairly. However, the reported offers to Smith and Tate illustrate just how aggressive some programs have become in leveraging NIL to reshape their rosters.
Athletic Director Gene Smith and head coach Ryan Day now face the dual challenge of preparing for another championship run while navigating the increasingly complex NIL landscape. Ensuring players feel valued, both financially and personally, will be critical to keeping the roster intact.
Ohio State is taking swift action to counter the potential departures of Smith and Tate. Sources close to the program indicate that the university is working with its NIL collectives to create packages that reflect the players’ value to the team. Additionally, Ryan Day has reportedly held meetings with both players and their families to emphasize their importance to the program and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Day has also leaned on the program’s track record of producing NFL-caliber receivers. With alumni like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. thriving at the next level, Ohio State’s “Wide Receiver U” reputation remains a significant selling point. The message is clear: staying at Ohio State not only means competing for championships but also maximizing long-term career potential.
Losing Smith and Tate would be a significant blow to Ohio State’s aspirations for back-to-back championships. Both players are central to the Buckeyes’ offensive identity, and their departures would create a void that even a program as deep as Ohio State would struggle to fill immediately.
However, their decision to stay or leave will also have broader implications for the program. In the NIL era, how Ohio State handles this situation will serve as a litmus test for its ability to compete not just on the field but in the marketplace.
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate’s situations highlight the new reality of college football, where talent retention has become as important as talent acquisition. For Ohio State, the stakes are higher than ever. With a passionate fanbase, a proven track record of success, and a growing NIL infrastructure, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to navigate these challenges—but the competition is fierce.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Columbus to see how Ohio State responds. If the Buckeyes can retain Smith and Tate, it will not only reinforce their standing as a college football powerhouse but also demonstrate their ability to thrive in the ever-evolving NIL landscape. For now, the battle to keep their top talent is as critical as any game played on the field.