Jeremiah Smith has been one of the most talked-about freshman athletes in college football this season. The 6’3″ wide receiver has left no stone unturned from his side. In his Monday’s game, he caught five passes for 88 yards, making 1,312 yards and 15 touchdowns for this season. As Smith’s career continues to unfold, an intriguing conversation has emerged that places him at a crossroads.

In a recent episode of the All Facts No Brakes podcast, NFL legend Keyshawn Johnson offered some advice that’s making everyone rethink how soon he should shape his future. Keyshawn said, “Well, what I would say, I would give him 2 years. I’ll give you one more full season at Ohio State. And in his junior year, all I wanted to do is train and get ready for the National Football League.“

Keyshawn’s reasoning is all about “protecting your asset, protecting who he is.” He believes Smith should prioritize getting his mind and body ready for the pro league, saying it “will not drop his value.” Of course, this sparked a debate on the podcast as RJ Young argued that Jeremiah would be missing out on a lot of NIL money by sitting out a year.

Johnson quickly dismissed this, saying, “Oh, god. No one cares about the NIL money, man. He can barely get paid.” Young also brought up the point that not playing would hurt Smith’s public image. This back-and-forth highlights the core issue: Is it better for him to maximize his time in college, earning money and building his brand, or should he focus on preparing for the NFL and minimizing the risk of injury?

When will Jeremiah Smith be eligible for the Draft?

While Jeremiah Smith is already playing at an elite level, NFL eligibility requires players to be out of high school for at least three years. While he might seem ready to play in the league right now, he still has at least two more years to go before entering the draft. This three-year rule might seem frustrating to fans eager to see him go pro, but it will serve as a necessary stepping stone.

Jeremiah isn’t just making waves on the football field at Ohio State, he’s also building a serious brand. His NIL valuation is worth around $3.7 million. This puts him at the top of the OSU earners and among the highest-paid college football players in the country. His huge following on social media landed him some major endorsements as well. And we’re talking big names like Red Bull, Nintendo, Epic Games, Lululemon, American Eagle, including others.

While Keyshawn might not see this as a significant number as compared to his NFL deals. A 19-year-old college kid making almost $4 million is nothing less than remarkable. And in a smart move, Smith and his family aren’t just relying on his current success. They’ve taken out a disability insurance policy to protect him financially, just in case anything unexpected happens. Basically, Smith has set himself up for a bright future, both on and off the field.

As an athlete and a brand, Jeremiah is already proving that his future is full of potential. It’s clear that his storyline is going to be one of the most fascinating in college football over the next few years. While the conversation around Smith’s future intensifies, it will be interesting to see how his journey at Ohio State plays out.