Jeremiah Smith is only 20 years old, but he already moves through the world with the quiet confidence of someone who has seen more than his years would suggest. The Ohio State wide receiver is one of the most electrifying players in college football, and was the highest-ranked wide receiver recruit in the modern era, surpassing legends like Julio Jones. With that level of fame comes a very specific kind of attention—not all of it welcome.
Smith ranks third in college sports with an NIL valuation of $4.2 million, with a brand portfolio that includes Red Bull, Nintendo, Adidas, and American Eagle. He is one of the most valuable young athletes in America. And he has strong opinions about what that means when it comes to love.
Jeremiah Smith on Dating: “You Gotta Have Something Going On For Yourself”
During a recent appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast, Smith was asked about the biggest green flag he looks for in a romantic partner. His answer was immediate and blunt.
“You gotta have something going on for yourself,” he said. “You can’t just live off me.”
He went on to address a broader problem he sees with dating in his generation. “Girls now my age they just worry about one thing,” he said, “what can you do for them. They don’t wanna bring nothing to the table.”
@iamathlete J.J. is preaching 🙏🔥 @Darien Rencher @EASPORTSCollege #cfb #collegefootball #ohiostate #relationshiptips
The comments quickly spread across social media, with fans praising the young star’s maturity and self-awareness. “I know his mama proud,” one viral response read.
Balancing Fame, NIL Money, and Life Off the Field
When asked if it’s hard to maintain a love life at this stage of his career, Smith confirmed he does have a girlfriend. He didn’t go into details—privacy is clearly important—but the message was clear: fame and money are not enough to impress him. Ambition is.
This mindset tracks with everything we know about Smith off the field. He is an OSU Scholar-Athlete majoring in Sport Industry and has spoken openly about the importance of thinking ahead. He plays chess. He studies. He plans.
Building a Brand and a Standard Beyond Football
For a kid from South Florida who arrived in Columbus as the most hyped recruit in a generation, the pressure to be defined solely by football must be immense. Instead, Smith is quietly building something larger: a brand, an identity, and a standard.
The standard is simple: keep up or step aside. In a world where his every catch goes viral and his every move is watched by millions, Jeremiah Smith isn’t looking for a fan. He’s looking for a partner—and she better have something going on for herself.
