JEREMIAH SMITH: I’m motivated by relationships, not money when it comes to staying with Ohio State, I have always loved Ohio State from the depth of my soul due to…
Columbus, Ohio – In a refreshing change of pace from the often-cutthroat world of college athletics, Ohio State defensive end, Jeremiah Smith, has revealed that his motivation for staying with the Buckeyes has nothing to do with money, but rather his deep-seated love for the university and the relationships he has formed there.
Smith, a senior from Cleveland, Ohio, has been a stalwart member of the Buckeyes’ defense, earning All-Big Ten honors in 2022. Despite being eligible for the NFL draft, Smith has chosen to return to Ohio State for his final season of eligibility, citing his love for the university and the relationships he has formed with his coaches and teammates.
“I’m motivated by relationships, not money,” Smith said in a recent interview. “I have always loved Ohio State from the depth of my soul, and that’s what keeps me here. It’s not about the money or the fame; it’s about the people and the experiences that I’ve had here.”
Smith’s decision to return to Ohio State is a testament to the strong bonds that he has formed with his coaches and teammates. Despite being one of the top defensive ends in the country, Smith has chosen to put his NFL aspirations on hold in order to finish his degree and help the Buckeyes compete for a national championship.
“I’ve been blessed to have some amazing coaches and teammates here at Ohio State,” Smith said. “They’ve become like a second family to me, and I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else. We’ve been through so much together, and I know that we have the potential to do something special this season.”
Smith’s love for Ohio State is not just about the football program, but also about the university as a whole. He has been deeply involved in the community, participating in numerous charity events and volunteering his time to help underprivileged youth.
“Ohio State is more than just a football program; it’s a community,” Smith said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of that community, and it’s something that I’ll always cherish. From the academic support to the athletic training, everything here is top-notch, and I feel blessed to be a part of it.”
Smith’s decision to return to Ohio State has been met with widespread praise from his coaches and teammates. Buckeyes head coach, Ryan Day, has been vocal in his support for Smith, calling him “one of the most selfless players I’ve ever coached.”
“Jeremiah is a true leader and a great example of what it means to be a Buckeye,” Day said. “He’s a talented player, but more importantly, he’s a great person who always puts the team first. We’re thrilled to have him back for another season.”
As the Buckeyes prepare to kick off their 2025 season, Smith’s presence will be a welcome boost to the team’s defense. With his experience and leadership, the Buckeyes will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and compete for a national championship.
For Smith, however, the season is about more than just winning games. It’s about the relationships he has formed, the experiences he has had, and the love he has for Ohio State.
“I’m excited to see what this season holds,” Smith said. “But more than anything, I’m just grateful to be a part of this team and this university. It’s a privilege to wear the scarlet and gray, and I’m going to do everything I can to make the most of it.”
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