Ohio State Faces Setback After Losing Projected $877,000 Star Player
The Ohio State Buckeyes are bracing for major changes to their roster heading into 2025. With a combination of players declaring for the NFL draft and the relentless pursuit of talent by other programs via the transfer portal, the Buckeyes are navigating a challenging offseason. Notably, the team suffered a significant blow with the loss of one of their standout stars.
Jeremiah Smith Reportedly Offered Millions to Transfer
Ohio State’s prized freshman receiver, Jeremiah Smith, has become a top target for rival programs eager to lure him away. According to Pete Nakos of On3.com, Smith has received enticing offers ranging between $4.5 million and $5 million from other schools aiming to secure his talents. Despite already being projected to earn at least $3 million in NIL deals for the 2025 season, Smith’s value has only increased as competitors seek to pry him from the Buckeyes.
“Sources have told On3 that Smith will make at least $3 million in 2025, but that’s just a starting point,” Nakos reported. “That has not stopped other programs from coming to the table with offers ranging from $4.5 to $5 million, sources told On3.”
Smith’s departure, if it occurs, would undoubtedly leave a void in Ohio State’s receiving corps, as the young star has already shown the potential to become one of the top playmakers in college football.
Quinshon Judkins Declares for NFL Draft
The Buckeyes were also dealt another significant loss with the announcement that star running back Quinshon Judkins will forgo his remaining college eligibility to enter the NFL draft. ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news, emphasizing Judkins’ status as one of the top running backs in the upcoming draft.
“Ohio State star running back Quinshon Judkins is leaving school early and will declare for the NFL draft, he told ESPN,” Thamel wrote. “He ranks as the No. 5 overall running back in the upcoming draft in Mel Kiper Jr.’s position rankings.”
Judkins, a crucial piece of Ohio State’s offense, has been a dominant force on the field. His consistent performances have earned him high praise, with analysts such as Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling projecting him as a third-round pick. In Easterling’s latest mock draft, Judkins is slated to join the Cleveland Browns as the No. 94 overall selection.
NIL Earnings Couldn’t Keep Judkins in Columbus
While there was speculation that NIL earnings might convince Judkins to stay another year, the allure of playing professionally ultimately won out. Before his decision, On3.com had projected Judkins’ NIL value at $877,000, reflecting his immense impact and marketability. However, his sights are now set on the NFL, where he will look to make his mark on Sundays.
Judkins’ departure, along with the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s future, highlights the challenges Ohio State faces in maintaining its roster amid the evolving landscape of college football. The combination of lucrative NIL deals and the transfer portal has added new dimensions to recruiting and player retention, forcing programs to adapt to a rapidly shifting environment.
A Challenging Road Ahead for Ohio State
For head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, these developments underscore the importance of both recruiting new talent and retaining current stars. The loss of Judkins and potentially Smith represents more than just on-field challenges—it also highlights the competitive nature of college football’s modern era, where NIL opportunities and transfer portal negotiations play a pivotal role in shaping rosters.
As Ohio State looks ahead to the 2025 season, the team will need to rely on its depth, upcoming recruits, and strategic adjustments to maintain its position as one of the premier programs in college football.
