Overview
- Smith, speaking to reporters during Saturday’s spring practice availability, said a “certain program” pushed very hard to recruit him after the playoff loss to Miami and that he was always going to stay at Ohio State.
- He never entered the NCAA transfer portal, which is the formal step that allows contact from other schools, and he confirmed he will return for his junior season in Columbus.
- Reporters widely infer the unnamed suitor was Miami based on his South Florida roots and past recruitment, though Smith declined to name the team.
- On3 pegs Smith’s name, image and likeness valuation at $4.2 million, reflecting his two All-American seasons and 2,558 yards with 29 touchdowns through 29 games.
- His public commitment eases concern after receivers coach Brian Hartline left for USF, and it comes as new NCAA rules allowing direct school payments have intensified transfer recruiting across the sport.