In a move that has shocked the sports world and touched the hearts of millions, Ohio State Buckeyes football superstar Jeremiah Smith has donated his entire \$12.5 million in signing bonuses and sponsorship earnings to a range of charities, with the majority of the funds directed toward homelessness relief initiatives. The news broke early this morning when Smith, flanked by his team, advisors, and representatives from the charities he supports, made the announcement at a press conference held at the Ohio Union on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. Though known for his generational talent on the field, it is this act of uncommon generosity and selflessness that may define Jeremiah Smith far beyond his athletic accomplishments.
Smith, one of the highest-profile athletes in college football and a top NIL earner, has rapidly become a symbol not just of football excellence, but of leadership and moral clarity in an era increasingly shaped by wealth and influence. The \$12.5 million he redirected includes a variety of recent endorsement agreements with major national brands, along with a signing incentive tied to his participation in a new media venture. While many anticipated that Smith’s wealth would mark the beginning of a flashy lifestyle often associated with young athletes, he has instead chosen to use his platform and financial resources to uplift those in dire need.
Speaking to a packed auditorium, Smith’s voice was steady, resolute, and deeply personal. “I’ve been blessed beyond anything I ever imagined,” he said. “But I can’t ignore the fact that there are people out there sleeping on the streets, kids without meals, families without shelter. I come from a place where I saw struggle up close. I promised myself if I ever had the chance to make a real difference, I would.” His words were followed by thunderous applause and visible emotion from members of the community, university officials, and even fellow teammates, some of whom were unaware of the full scope of his donation until the announcement.
Smith’s donation is being divided among several well-vetted organizations, each of which focuses on different aspects of homelessness relief, youth housing insecurity, food scarcity, and mental health support. Among them are national nonprofits such as Covenant House and Feeding America, as well as local Columbus organizations like Star House, which serves homeless youth, and the Open Shelter, which offers emergency services and transitional programs. Additionally, Smith has committed funds to launch a new initiative called “The First Down Foundation,” an organization he’s founding that will work in underserved urban areas to provide education, shelter, meals, and access to mentorship programs for at-risk youth.
Leaders of the benefiting charities expressed a combination of awe and deep gratitude. Rachel Monroe, director of the Open Shelter, was visibly emotional during her remarks. “In all my years of work, I’ve never seen something like this. Jeremiah’s donation isn’t just money. It’s life-changing. It means food, warmth, stability. It means dignity.” Similar sentiments came from educators and youth advocates who highlighted how rare and powerful it is for someone so young to show such empathy and responsibility.
The story behind Smith’s decision is rooted in his upbringing. Raised in a challenging environment in South Florida, he witnessed firsthand the impacts of poverty, homelessness, and lack of opportunity. Those experiences shaped not only his worldview but his motivation. Coaches and mentors from his youth often speak of his drive—not only to succeed athletically but to escape the cycle that traps so many families in hardship. Even as his football career began to ascend, Smith remained active in community service, quietly volunteering at shelters, mentoring local teens, and donating supplies and clothing to schools in underfunded districts. Those close to him say that this monumental act is merely the public expression of values he has held for years.
In the days leading up to the announcement, rumors had swirled that Smith was planning something unusual with his recent earnings. Social media users speculated about a scholarship fund or perhaps a family-focused initiative. Few expected something this extensive, or this self-sacrificial. Smith has not retained any of the \$12.5 million for personal use, noting during the press conference that he has “everything I need already” and is “more focused on building something that lasts longer than a highlight reel.”
Smith’s decision comes at a time when the landscape of college athletics is undergoing a transformation driven by the emergence of name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. With athletes now able to earn significant sums during their collegiate careers, questions about responsibility, wealth management, and social impact have emerged. Smith’s action has reignited the conversation, this time with a real-world example of how NIL can be used for radical generosity and purpose-driven leadership. His move is already drawing comparisons to philanthropic efforts by pro athletes like LeBron James, J.J. Watt, and Colin Kaepernick—but what sets Smith apart is his age, his stage in life, and the size of the donation relative to his net worth.
Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day praised Smith not only for his excellence on the field but for the character he has displayed. “He’s the kind of young man that reminds you why you get into coaching,” Day said. “Football aside, Jeremiah is a leader in every way that matters. He understands the platform he has and the responsibility that comes with it. What he did today will change lives—not just for the people he’s helping, but for everyone watching and listening.”
Teammates have rallied around Smith, calling him an inspiration and a role model. Defensive end Tyler Collins tweeted, “Jeremiah Smith just redefined what it means to be a teammate, a leader, and a man. I’m honored to wear the same jersey.” Several athletes across the NCAA, including those from rival schools, have also expressed admiration and support. Prominent names in the NFL, including Patrick Mahomes and Saquon Barkley, shared Smith’s announcement and offered words of encouragement. The story is quickly going viral, with sports analysts and news outlets across the country devoting major segments to what many are calling a landmark moment in college athletics.
In the aftermath of the announcement, Ohio State has pledged institutional support for Smith’s foundation, providing logistical aid, community connections, and administrative assistance to help ensure the First Down Foundation launches smoothly and scales effectively. University President Kristina Johnson said in a statement, “Jeremiah exemplifies the highest ideals of Ohio State. His vision, empathy, and action will inspire generations of students. We are proud to support him every step of the way.”
For Smith, the next steps include a full summer training schedule, a national spotlight entering the upcoming college football season, and a growing expectation to serve not only as a top athlete but as a social figurehead. That weight is not one he seems intimidated by. “I didn’t do this for headlines,” he said. “I did it because it was right. And I hope it makes others think about what they can do in their own way to help someone else.”
As the buzz continues, one thing is clear: Jeremiah Smith’s generosity is more than a headline—it is a defining moment. In a sports world so often dominated by contracts, stats, and ego, his act of humility and heart stands out like a beacon. Whether he goes on to win the Heisman, break school records, or become a first-round NFL pick, he has already achieved something far greater. He’s reminded everyone—teammates, fans, and strangers alike—that the truest measure of success lies in how much we’re willing to give away for the good of others. And in doing so, Jeremiah Smith has not just raised the bar—he’s changed the game.
