BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Buckeyes football phenom Jeremiah Smith has made headlines after donating his entire $12.5 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to charitable organizations and homeless relief initiatives, according to Davis S

In a time when collegiate athletics are increasingly synonymous with multimillion-dollar endorsement deals, luxury lifestyles, and rapid fame, Ohio State Buckeyes’ football phenom Jeremiah Smith has shattered all expectations—not with a touchdown or a record-breaking catch, but with a move that stunned the sports world and demonstrated a rare, profound commitment to humanity.

According to reports first released by journalist Davis S., Smith has donated every cent of his $12.5 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to a range of charitable organizations and homeless relief initiatives. The announcement sent shockwaves across college football, inspiring fans, athletes, and even the broader public with its selfless gesture. In an era where the term “student-athlete” is often viewed through the lens of market value, Smith’s decision has refocused attention on character, purpose, and legacy.

Smith, the highly touted wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been in the national spotlight since high school. Ranked as one of the best recruits in the country, Smith has consistently lived up to the hype. His route-running precision, game-breaking speed, and football IQ have turned him into a household name even before reaching the NFL. With every electrifying play on the field, he’s drawn comparisons to greats like Marvin Harrison Jr., Justin Jefferson, and even NFL Hall of Famers. Yet it is his off-field action that may be remembered far longer than his gridiron heroics.

Sources close to Smith reveal that the decision to donate his full name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings—totaling $12.5 million—was not impulsive but rather a carefully thought-out act rooted in his upbringing and values. Raised in South Florida, Smith often witnessed firsthand the toll that poverty and homelessness took on people in his community. Friends and family recall him volunteering at shelters during school holidays and leading youth mentorship programs even before his rise to athletic stardom.

“Jeremiah has always had a deep awareness of the struggles others go through,” said his high school coach, Tyrone Kelly. “Even when he had offers flying in from all over the country, he never let that distract him from giving back. This is who he’s always been—it’s not an act or a PR move. This is just Jeremiah.”

Smith’s charitable donations will be distributed across multiple organizations, with a significant portion going to homeless shelters in Columbus, Ohio, and his hometown of Opa-locka, Florida. Some of the organizations receiving funds include The Open Shelter in Columbus, Camillus House in Miami, and Feeding America. Additionally, funds are earmarked for mental health support services, job training programs for the unhoused, and educational initiatives aimed at breaking generational poverty cycles.

The news of Smith’s philanthropy quickly trended across social media platforms and was picked up by major news outlets, with #JeremiahSmith trending on Twitter within hours. Reactions poured in from celebrities, fellow athletes, and coaches across the country.

“Character > Stats. Jeremiah Smith just redefined what it means to lead,” tweeted NFL star and philanthropist Russell Wilson.

“He’s the kind of role model college football desperately needs,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit on SportsCenter. “When we talk about leadership and integrity, this is the textbook example. I hope every recruit in America is watching.”

The Ohio State University also released a statement applauding Smith’s generosity and values. “Jeremiah embodies the spirit of Ohio State—excellence, compassion, and service,” read the statement from Athletic Director Gene Smith. “We are proud of him not just for what he does on the field, but for who he is off it.”

Even more striking than the amount of money Smith donated is the fact that he did so at a time when most athletes are just beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labor. NIL deals, while transformative, are still a relatively new phenomenon in college athletics. Many athletes use them to secure financial stability for themselves and their families, often as the first in their households to earn such wealth. That Smith chose to give away all $12.5 million of his earnings instead of using it to buy cars, houses, or invest in personal ventures speaks to a level of maturity and altruism that is exceedingly rare—even among seasoned professionals.

Some skeptics initially questioned the move, speculating whether it was influenced by outside advisors, public pressure, or strategic branding. But Smith addressed those concerns in a brief and heartfelt press conference.

“I didn’t grow up with much, and I know what it’s like to wonder where your next meal is coming from,” Smith said. “I’ve been blessed with a platform and resources that most people never get. If I can use that to make someone else’s life better, why wouldn’t I? This isn’t about me. It’s about doing what’s right.”

Smith, surrounded by his teammates and coaches, remained humble throughout the announcement. “Football is what I do. But this—helping others—that’s who I am,” he concluded.

This sense of purpose seems to be deeply ingrained in Smith’s identity. Teammates speak of his leadership in the locker room, his attention to academics, and his commitment to community service. “Jeremiah’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met,” said Buckeyes quarterback and close friend Kyle McCord. “He lifts up everyone around him. On game days, he’s locked in. Off the field, he’s thinking about how to make an impact beyond the stadium.”

Smith’s gesture also brings a new level of visibility and urgency to the homelessness crisis, especially among young people. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 580,000 Americans experience homelessness on any given night, with thousands more living in unstable housing conditions. By donating to shelters and support services, Smith is not just offering temporary relief—he is investing in long-term change.

Already, philanthropic organizations are reporting an uptick in donations and volunteer inquiries since Smith’s announcement. Camillus House in Miami released a statement thanking Smith for “restoring hope to thousands” and reported that they had received over $300,000 in additional donations from inspired fans in just 48 hours.

The NCAA, which has faced criticism for its handling of NIL regulations and equity issues, released a rare statement praising Smith’s example. “Jeremiah Smith’s actions reflect the best of what student-athletes can be when empowered to use their platform for good. We commend his vision and commitment to service.”

Smith’s legacy, even before taking a single NFL snap, is already being cemented in ways that far exceed touchdown totals or highlight reels. There is growing speculation that his unprecedented generosity could position him as a future recipient of humanitarian awards or national honors. However, those close to Smith say that recognition is the last thing on his mind.

“He’s not doing this for applause,” said his mother, Carla Smith. “He’s doing this because he sees people hurting and wants to help. That’s how I raised him.”

What makes Smith’s story even more powerful is that he’s still in college. At just 19 years old, he has managed to wield influence far beyond what many of his peers—or even adults—could imagine. While his football future remains incredibly bright, with NFL scouts already labeling him a “surefire first-rounder,” it’s his moral compass and compassion that are drawing the highest praise.

Smith’s decision is sure to fuel ongoing conversations about wealth, purpose, and social responsibility in sports. For years, critics have lamented the commercialization of college athletics, worrying that young athletes are being molded into brands instead of people. Smith has upended that narrative entirely, showing that a person can achieve success without losing their soul—or better yet, using that success to uplift others.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Jeremiah Smith—not just for his performance on Saturdays, but for the example he continues to set every other day of the week. For Buckeye Nation and beyond, he has already become more than a football player. He’s a symbol of what’s possible when purpose meets platform.

In a sports world too often dominated by scandals, excess, and empty platitudes, Jeremiah Smith’s $12.5 million donation serves as a clear, undeniable reminder: the most powerful legacy is the one built not on statistics or fame, but on service to others.