# Analyst Suggests Jeremiah Smith Should End Season Early

Former champion Damien Harris advises top prospect to prioritize NFL draft preparations over remaining games.

- **Source:** [CBS Sports – Headlines](https://www.cbssports.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-08
- **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports)
- **Original article:** <
                                                https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/jeremiah-smith-should-skip-rest-of-ohio-states-season-former-national-champion-says-nothing-to-gain/
                    >
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/60c25349-85e6-4d56-bb1a-cca790638747

## Strategic Career Advice

Damien Harris, a former national champion, publicly advised Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to cease playing for the remainder of the season. Harris argues that as the projected top overall prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, Smith has already secured his legacy and faces significant injury risks by continuing.

## Diminishing Team Prospects

The recommendation follows a 41-28 loss to Oregon, which effectively ended Ohio State's College Football Playoff aspirations. With three games left in the regular season, the team is currently struggling after two consecutive defeats, including a critical injury to starting quarterback Julian Sayin that hampered their offensive consistency and overall momentum.

## Record-Breaking Collegiate Career

Jeremiah Smith has already established himself as a historic figure within the Ohio State program. He holds school records for receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards. Having secured a national championship as a freshman in 2024, Harris suggests that Smith has little left to prove at the collegiate level this year.

## Financial and Professional Context

Smith is recognized as one of the highest-paid players in college football, having reportedly turned down a $10 million transfer offer to Miami. His status as a top-tier NFL prospect makes his health a primary asset, leading analysts to weigh the benefits of continued participation against potential long-term professional earnings.

## On-Field Frustrations

During the recent loss to Oregon, cameras captured Smith displaying visible frustration toward the coaching staff in the fourth quarter. Despite freshman quarterback Luke Fahey throwing for 360 yards, the connection between the two remained inconsistent, further fueling speculation that Smith might be nearing his limit with the current team dynamics.

## Shifting College Football Landscape

While elite players frequently skip bowl games, shutting down during the regular season remains rare. The modern era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has transformed college football, making it more similar to the NFL. Contracts now often include clauses to protect players, mirroring professional standards regarding injury and self-preservation.

## Potential Awards at Stake

Despite the team's struggles, Smith remains a strong contender for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation's best receiver. He entered the week ranked second nationally in receiving yards per game. Continuing to play could solidify his individual accolades, provided he improves his chemistry with the team's current quarterback.

## Future Implications

The debate highlights the growing tension between collegiate loyalty and professional self-interest in the NIL era. As Ohio State prepares for its final three games, including a rivalry match against Michigan, the decision rests on whether Smith prioritizes team tradition or his immediate transition to the professional football league.

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._