At just 19 years old, Jeremiah Smith is making waves both on the field and across football circles, standing out as one of the most talked-about prospects for the future NFL draft. Currently, the freshman wide receiver is showcasing his skills at Ohio State University, claiming his spot as the #4 WR for the Buckeyes. Many experts and former players are already considering Smith as one of the next potential stars to emerge from college football. But as bright as the future looks for Smith, he faces one significant hurdle on the path to professional stardom: the NFL's three-year eligibility rule.
Former Green Bay Packers VP Andrew Brandt is vocal about his concerns on how this rule affects budding talents like Smith. Brandt, who brought his experience to light through social media, pointed out the stark differences between Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals currently available to college athletes and the multimillion-dollar contracts afforded to NFL players. He tweeted, "NIL can’t match the $30 million signing bonus he’d get absent the three-year NFL eligibility rule." This financial disparity raises questions about the true growth opportunities for young athletes amid varying compensation structures between college sports and professional leagues.
Under the current rule, Smith won’t be eligible for the NFL Draft until the 2027 draft because players need to be removed from high school for three years before entering the draft. This means even if his performances continue to impress, he will have to wait several more years until he can truly make his mark at the next level.
The NFL's three-year rule, aimed to protect players by ensuring they reach the physical and mental readiness needed to compete, is not without its criticisms. While it is meant to safeguard young athletes from entering the league too soon, many believe it could also inadvertently stifle their potential. Smith's case exemplifies this tension; he’s clearly capable of competing at the highest level based on his standout performances this season.
Just recently, Smith shone brightly during the College Football Playoff, where his skills drew the attention of many pundits, including former NFL running back Damien Harris. On his podcast, "Until Saturday," Harris went as far as stating, "I want Jeremiah Smith, right now, No.1 overall pick. … because he’s got the physical God-given ability, all the technical tools in his toolbox, and he’s just straight up dog." Harris's enthusiasm for Smith emphasizes the growing recognition he's beginning to receive as he continues to put up staggering statistics, including impressive records of 934 yards on 57 catches and 10 touchdowns during the regular season.
Smith’s talent shone through especially during postseason games. He posted 103 yards on six receptions, along with two touchdowns against the Tennessee Volunteers. Then, he followed up with an incredible 187 yards on seven catches against the top-seeded Oregon Ducks, helping lead Ohio State to dominate their competition. With metrics like receptions of 29, 32, 43, and 45 yards, it’s clear he is proving to be an invaluable asset to his team.
But beyond his on-field performances, Smith's supporters include family: his cousin is none other than Geno Smith, the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Geno, who has been supportive of Jeremiah, can provide invaluable mentoring as Jeremiah navigates the complex world of college football. This familial support can serve as inspiration for Smith as he prepares for his future. With two years still remaining until he can make his leap to the NFL, the mentorship from Geno could provide Jeremiah with insights to succeed both on and off the field.
The buzz surrounding Jeremiah Smith paints the picture of another potential superstar waiting to emerge. Still, it opens up broader discussions about the structural challenges facing young athletes—especially when comparing current opportunities supported by NIL deals versus future NFL contracts. While NIL has revolutionized the compensation model for college athletes, can it truly stack up against the lucrative contracts of professional leagues, especially when prospects like Smith have to wait to make their entries? The conversation is only just beginning.
Looking at the numbers, Jeremiah Smith’s path is one to watch. If his current performances are any indication, he could be one of the high-profile players come 2027. Until then, it will be interesting to see how the discussions around NIL and the NFL accompanying rules progress, and how they might shape the journeys of promising athletes like Smith.