Overview
- Smith, who disclosed Wednesday in an On3 interview that he was offered over $10 million to transfer, stayed at Ohio State for his junior season and never entered the NCAA transfer portal.
- Head coach Ryan Day said on Cam Heyward’s show that the staff followed through on commitments to Smith, adding that candid talks with his camp built the trust that kept him in Columbus.
- On3 reported two NFL scouts said Smith would have been the No. 1 overall choice on their draft boards if he were eligible this year, underscoring his standing as a top 2027 prospect.
- CBS Sports detailed how his endorsements with Adidas, Red Bull and 7‑Eleven and his national profile could make an eight-figure deal plausible in today’s portal economy.
- Media coverage has linked Miami as a likely suitor, yet Smith pointed to development, a title push and quarterback Julian Sayin as reasons he felt Ohio State remained the best fit.