In a jaw-dropping projection that has the entire football world buzzing, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is expected to command a record-breaking $200 million NFL contract by 2030, according to league insiders and top sports financial analysts.
Smith, widely regarded as the most electrifying receiving talent to come through college football in years, has already turned heads with his elite athleticism, precise route-running, and game-breaking speed. Now entering his freshman season with the Buckeyes, expectations are sky-high — and so is his potential earning power.
NFL Executives Already Taking Notice
Despite having yet to play a down at the collegiate level, NFL scouts and general managers are reportedly “obsessed” with Smith’s upside. One anonymous executive compared him to “a more polished Julio Jones with Tyreek Hill acceleration.”
“If Jeremiah Smith stays healthy and develops as expected under Ryan Day’s system, he could redefine the market for non-quarterbacks,” said an AFC front office source.
NIL Era Sets the Stage
Smith is already capitalizing in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, with endorsement deals projected to reach seven figures before his sophomore year. This financial head start is helping analysts anticipate just how valuable he could become by the time he’s NFL draft eligible.
Historic Contract Could Reset the Market
Currently, the largest contract for a wide receiver belongs to Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), whose $120 million deal set a benchmark. If Smith meets expectations and lands in a high-octane offense, analysts believe he could surpass that number — possibly hitting the $200 million mark over a 5-6 year deal, especially if salary caps continue to rise through 2030.
“Quarterbacks won’t be the only ones pushing past $40 million a year,” said sports agent Marcus Denton. “A generational WR like Smith can absolutely get there, especially if the next media rights deal inflates the cap further.”
Buckeye Legacy in the Making
Ohio State has long been a powerhouse for producing elite wide receiver talent — from Terry Glenn and Santonio Holmes to recent stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. But according to insiders, Jeremiah Smith may surpass them all.
“This is the kind of player that changes how you build a team,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “He’s that rare mix of physical, technical, and mental excellence. He’s the future.”
What’s Next?
Smith is expected to make his Ohio State debut this fall, where the college football world will get its first full glimpse of a player already being hailed as a future face of the NFL. If the projections are accurate, Jeremiah Smith won’t just be catching passes — he’ll be catching checks that reshape the financial landscape of pro football.