Ohio State Makes Jeremiah Smith Announcement to Protect Him From Injury Before Championship Game

The Ohio State Buckeyes aren’t just dominating the gridiron; they’re shaking things up off the field too. With the College Football Playoff finals looming, the tension is thicker than a Texas fog. However, right when it appears that the stakes could not possibly be raised any further, their star, WR Jeremiah Smith, delivers a shocking revelation to commence the final stretch.

Like a true Hollywood hero, Smith isn’t just breaking records on the field; he’s securing his future off it. At 19 years old, the Ohio State phenom has joined a handful of players of his age who have secured permanent total disability (PTD) insurance, protecting their careers against catastrophic injuries as per CBS Sports. Just imagine being a part of a group where just four or five freshmen of his age ever received this leverage. It looks like Smith stays ahead of the game in every way.

This isn’t your average athlete insurance. We’re talking about a policy that covers more than just on-field injuries. It’s a safety net that protects him from anything life throws his way—a car accident, a freak injury while snowboarding, even a bad investment. It’s like having a golden parachute before you even jump out of the plane. Looks like this move is as smart as it is bold. In a world where careers can be derailed in an instant, Smith is thinking long-term. He’s not just playing for the Heisman or NFL; he’s playing for life after football.

Now this leverage has been a thing in CFB since 2018 thanks to ex-Kansas basketball player Eric Chenowith. Because of this, they’ve locked in a record $20M in policies for guys like Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr., and now Jeremiah Smith joins the club. For context, his premiums run $7,500-$8,000 per $1M of coverage, meaning a $20M policy costs around $150K. And the policy pays out after 12 months of disability and lasts until August 1, 2027—or when Smith decides to go pro.

However, he’s so incredibly talented that, even with two years left on his college team, he’s already generating NFL attention. Now that’s not the shocking part! The AP second-team All-American is already projecting him as a high draft choice in the 2027 draft. That’s the earliest Jeremiah Smith is eligible to make the pro move. But what makes him so special that he is getting such high-end leverage?

What makes Jeremiah Smith a standout for PTD insurance?

Jeremiah Smith is not only the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, but he’s also excelling on the field. This season, he has amassed impressive stats, with 71 catches, 1,227 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Currently, only San Jose State’s Nick Nash and Heisman winner Travis Hunter have scored more touchdowns. It’s worth noting that Smith didn’t turn 19 until halfway through his first season, yet he already leads the CFP field with 14 catches for 293 yards in three games. Clearly, he is just getting started.

Moreover, Smith’s family has taken a wise step by securing a permanent total disability (PTD) insurance policy. In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, such policies have become increasingly common. Schools have been paying premiums for these policies since at least 2014. Florida State made headlines by covering a $10 million policy for Jameis Winston, which even included a loss of draft value rider. In 2022, the NCAA approved the use of athletic funds to pay these premiums.

While Smith’s family has ensured his future, not all players have that kind of coverage. For instance, Sportico reported that Travis Hunter was uninsured when he suffered a liver injury against Colorado State. None of the Colorado Buffaloes, including Shedeur Sanders, had insurance either. With the playoffs on the horizon, one can’t help but wonder how many more players will follow Smith’s lead and safeguard their futures before it’s too late.