In a world increasingly dominated by headlines of extravagance and self-interest, Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ sensational wide receiver and future NFL top pick, has rewritten the narrative in a stunning and heartfelt announcement. On Wednesday morning, Smith revealed that he is donating the entirety of his $20 million bonus and endorsement earnings to charities focused on homelessness and housing insecurity across the United States.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the college football world and well beyond, not because of what Smith had accomplished on the field—but for the extraordinary impact he now plans to make off of it.
“God blessed me with a platform, and I can’t just walk through life pretending others don’t need help,” Smith said during a press conference at Ohio State’s Fawcett Center. “This isn’t about football. It’s about being human.”
A Star Beyond the Gridiron
Jeremiah Smith, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound phenom from Hollywood, Florida, has long been regarded as one of the most electrifying talents in college football. Rated as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, Smith arrived in Columbus with enormous expectations—and he exceeded every one of them.
As a freshman in 2024, Smith compiled 1,324 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, immediately becoming the Buckeyes’ most dynamic offensive threat. His combination of size, speed, route-running precision, and humility made him a fan favorite and a surefire future top-5 NFL Draft pick.
Yet, it’s not his route tree or highlight reel catches that now define his legacy—it’s his character.
The $20 Million Pledge
Smith’s pledge includes every cent from his projected $6.5 million NIL endorsements—already negotiated with multiple apparel, sports drink, and trading card brands—as well as a commitment to donate the full $13.5 million NFL signing bonus he’s expected to receive upon entering the draft in 2026.
Rather than spend lavishly on luxury cars, private jets, or real estate, Smith is allocating the funds toward four primary initiatives:
- Affordable Housing Construction – Partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build permanent residences for families in need across Columbus, Cleveland, and Smith’s hometown in Florida.
- Mobile Outreach Services – Funding mobile clinics and supply trucks to distribute food, hygiene kits, and health services to the unhoused population in major cities.
- Youth Homelessness Prevention – Supporting shelters and educational programs for runaway and at-risk teens, with a focus on providing stable schooling and mentorship.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery – Investing in non-profits offering mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and workforce reintegration programs.
“Homelessness isn’t just about a lack of money—it’s about a lack of hope, safety, and belonging,” Smith told ESPN. “If I can help restore that for even one person, it’s worth it.”
The Spark Behind the Decision
Those closest to Smith say this pledge was years in the making. Raised by a single mother, Tameka Johnson, Smith remembers nights when he and his siblings were unsure where they would sleep.
“We were never officially homeless, but we were close more times than I want to remember,” Johnson said. “Jeremiah never forgot where he came from.”
During his first winter in Columbus, Smith often volunteered quietly at shelters and soup kitchens, showing up unannounced after practice and working into the night. It was there, according to friends, that he made up his mind.
“He told me in December, ‘I’m going to give it all back. Every dime,’” said teammate and roommate Devin Brown. “I didn’t know what he meant until now.”
Impact on Buckeye Nation
The Ohio State community reacted with an outpouring of pride and admiration. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day called Smith “a once-in-a-generation player and an even rarer man.”
“Jeremiah embodies what we want every Buckeye to be: tough, driven, and compassionate,” Day said. “This gift shows he’s thinking far beyond football.”
The university announced plans to match $1 million in donations to local homelessness relief programs in Smith’s name and will establish the Jeremiah Smith Leadership Scholarship, awarded annually to student-athletes who demonstrate civic and community commitment.
Social media exploded with support from celebrities, athletes, and politicians. LeBron James posted, “That’s how you change lives. Respect, young king.” Former President Barack Obama tweeted, “Jeremiah Smith is a reminder of what real leadership looks like.”
Not Just a Symbol — A Strategy
Experts in nonprofit management hailed Smith’s approach not just for its generosity, but for its sustainability. Rather than writing a check and walking away, he’s working with advisors to create a trust fund that will allow the capital to grow while distributing strategic annual gifts.
Michael Owens, a director at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, praised the move as “one of the most targeted and forward-thinking donations by any athlete—college or pro—we’ve ever seen.”
“He’s not just giving money—he’s investing in systems of care,” Owens said. “Jeremiah is building a safety net that will stretch across states and decades.”
Smith also tapped into Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business and its nonprofit innovation lab to ensure his donation is monitored and measurable. Quarterly impact reports will be published online starting in 2026.
A Ripple Effect in College Sports?
Smith’s bold move comes at a time when Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights have exploded in college athletics, with some players earning millions before stepping onto an NFL field.
While some critics argue NIL has fostered greed and entitlement among college stars, Smith’s donation flips that narrative. Analysts and former athletes believe his decision may influence others to reevaluate how they use their newfound financial power.
“I’ve worked with hundreds of top-tier athletes, and Jeremiah just set a new gold standard,” said Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst and former NCAA advocate. “This is legacy-defining.”
Already, reports suggest that at least three other high-profile players—including a quarterback in the SEC and a Pac-12 running back—have reached out to Smith’s foundation for guidance on creating similar philanthropic models.
The Road Ahead
Despite all the attention, Smith remains focused on the season ahead. With the Buckeyes eyeing a national title run in 2025, Smith remains committed to his teammates, his studies, and his mission.
He’s said repeatedly that his actions aren’t about praise—they’re about purpose.
“I don’t need a statue or a parade,” he said. “I just want people to know someone cared. That they mattered. That’s enough.”
In typical fashion, Smith ended his press conference not with a slogan or a soundbite—but a challenge:
“If you have more than you need, look around. Someone nearby doesn’t. Start there.”
A Buckeye Legacy Like No Other
There have been legends in Ohio State’s illustrious football history—Archie Griffin, Eddie George, Chris Spielman—but Jeremiah Smith may end up being remembered in a different light altogether.
Not only as a game-breaking wide receiver bound for NFL stardom, but as a beacon of social conscience in an era badly in need of heroes who lead with their hearts.
In giving away his fortune, Jeremiah Smith has given the world something far greater—hope.
Smith’s story is still being written. He may hoist a Heisman, win a national title, or set NFL records someday. But even if he doesn’t, he’s already accomplished something most never will: he’s used his platform to lift others up.
As the football world celebrates his athletic gifts, it’s his humanity that now shines brightest.
In a sports landscape often defined by contracts and controversy, Jeremiah Smith is a reminder of what’s possible when greatness on the field is matched by greatness off it.
And for the thousands—perhaps millions—of lives his actions will touch, that makes him the most valuable player of all.
