Jeremiah Smith’s name has surfaced in national college football conversations not just for his performance on the field but for the complex business dynamics surrounding his value in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. As a wide receiver for Ohio State, Smith has become a focal point in discussions about how modern college athletics operate, particularly regarding player valuation, recruiting strategies, and the growing influence of financial incentives in shaping team rosters. His situation reflects broader trends impacting programs from Eugene to Baton Rouge, where coaching staffs navigate heightened scrutiny over roster management and public perception.
The conversation around Smith’s NIL worth gained traction following an episode of The Unafraid Show, hosted by George Wrighster, which examined the realities behind headline-grabbing figures in college sports. Wrighster emphasized that although Smith is not currently valued at $10 million on the open market, his strategic importance to Ohio State creates upward pressure on what rival programs might theoretically offer to dissuade him from staying in Columbus. This distinction between market value and retention cost highlights a nuanced aspect of NIL that often gets lost in public discourse — the difference between what a player could earn independently versus what it would cost another institution to flip their commitment through collective incentives.
This dynamic ties directly into ongoing debates about the structural integrity of college football, especially as conferences like the SEC move toward a nine-game conference schedule. Lane Kiffin, now head coach at LSU, has publicly voiced concerns about the increased workload and competitive imbalance such a change could create, particularly for teams outside the traditional power structure. His comments have drawn attention not only for their substance but for the timing — coming early in his tenure at LSU, they’ve been interpreted by some analysts as setting expectations before results are delivered on the field.
Meanwhile, Oregon’s recruiting efforts came under review after a viral video featuring quarterback prospects sparked debate over whether it accurately represented the Ducks’ approach to developing talent. Wrighster argued that the clip was taken out of context, noting that Oregon’s strategy under head coach Dan Lyle focuses on long-term player development rather than immediate gratification, a philosophy that aligns with broader trends in player retention and program building.
These discussions converge on a central thesis advanced by voices like Utah’s Kyle Whittingham: that sustainable reform in college football requires collective bargaining mechanisms, standardized contracts, and a more professionalized framework akin to what exists in professional leagues. Whittingham has been consistent in arguing that without such structures, the sport will continue to face instability driven by uneven resource distribution, unilateral decision-making, and short-term thinking that undermines both competitive balance and student-athlete welfare.
The evolving role of the head coach further underscores this shift. Modern coaches are increasingly expected to function as chief executives — managing multimillion-dollar budgets, overseeing large staffs, negotiating with collectives, and maintaining brand relevance across digital platforms. This transformation means success is no longer measured solely by wins and losses but by organizational health, revenue generation, and adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.
Understanding Jeremiah Smith’s Role in the NIL Conversation
Jeremiah Smith, a sophomore wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has emerged as a key example in discussions about how NIL valuations are interpreted in college football. While speculative reports have occasionally placed his potential market value in the seven-figure range, verified sources indicate that no formal NIL deal approaching $10 million has been reported for any college player to date. Instead, Smith’s value is often discussed in terms of what it would take for another program to entice him away from Ohio State — a figure influenced not just by his athletic ability but by the intangible cost of disrupting a established team chemistry and recruiting pipeline.
This concept was explored in depth during a recent episode of The Unafraid Show, where host George Wrighster explained that the real leverage in NIL negotiations isn’t always about what a player can earn independently, but what it would cost a competitor to override their existing commitments. For a player like Smith, who is deeply integrated into Ohio State’s offensive system and benefits from strong coaching stability and academic support, that deterrent effect can be substantial — even if his standalone market value remains more modest.
Ohio State’s approach to NIL, guided by its athletic department and supported by alumni-led collectives, has focused on creating stable, long-term agreements that reward continuity and performance. This model contrasts with more transactional strategies seen elsewhere and reflects a growing preference among elite programs to invest in retention rather than reactive bidding wars. As of the 2024 season, Smith has appeared in multiple games for the Buckeyes, contributing as a reliable option in the passing game while continuing to develop his route-running and separation skills under wide receivers coach Brian Hartline.
His situation also touches on the transfer portal’s dual role as both a player empowerment tool and a potential disruptor of roster continuity. While the portal allows athletes to seek better opportunities, its frequent use has prompted coaches and administrators to reconsider how they build trust and loyalty — especially when NIL incentives can shift rapidly based on performance, publicity, or external offers.
Lane Kiffin, LSU, and the SEC Schedule Debate
Lane Kiffin’s transition to LSU as head coach in late 2023 marked one of the most closely watched coaching moves in recent college football memory. Known for his offensive innovation during tenures at Florida Atlantic, Ole Miss, and previously at USC and Tennessee, Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge with a reputation for maximizing talent through creative scheme design. However, his early public comments about the SEC’s move to a nine-game conference schedule have drawn scrutiny, particularly as they came before his first full season on the job in 2024.
The SEC announced in 2023 that it would expand its conference schedule from eight to nine games beginning in 2024, a decision driven by competitive balance considerations and revenue optimization. Under the new format, each team will face one additional opponent from within the conference, reducing the number of non-conference games available for scheduling flexibility. Kiffin expressed concern that this change disproportionately affects teams that rely on non-conference wins to build bowl eligibility or strengthen their résumés for College Football Playoff consideration — especially those outside the traditional elite tier.
While Kiffin framed his remarks as advocating for competitive fairness, some analysts noted that the timing of his critique — coming just months after accepting the LSU position — risked being perceived as preemptive excuse-making. Others countered that his feedback represents a legitimate coaching perspective on structural challenges that affect game preparation, player fatigue, and weekly planning. Regardless of interpretation, the exchange highlights the heightened visibility coaches now face when commenting on league-wide policies, particularly when those comments intersect with expectations around immediate success.
LSU’s 2024 season began with high expectations given the program’s returning talent and Kiffin’s offensive pedigree. Early results showed promise in scoring efficiency, though consistency remained a work in progress as the team adjusted to new personnel and schematic implementations. The Tigers’ ability to navigate the expanded SEC slate will be a key metric in evaluating both the conference’s decision and Kiffin’s adaptability as a leader in a high-pressure environment.
Oregon’s Recruiting Approach and the Viral Clip Context
Oregon’s football program found itself at the center of a media moment in early 2024 when a short video featuring quarterback prospects went viral across social media platforms. The clip, which showed prospects engaging in casual drills and interactions with current Ducks players, was widely shared with captions suggesting it reflected a prioritization of style over substance in recruiting. However, George Wrighster contended that this interpretation missed the program’s actual intent, which centers on building relationships and showcasing culture rather than making promises about immediate playing time or stardom.
Under head coach Dan Lyle, who took over in December 2023 after serving as defensive coordinator, Oregon has emphasized a holistic approach to player development that balances athletic growth with academic readiness and personal maturity. Lyle’s background — including prior roles at Boise State and in the NFL — has informed a philosophy that values long-term investment over short-term hype. This is reflected in the program’s recruiting communications, which often highlight graduation rates, NFL development pathways, and locker room cohesion.
The viral video, while authentic in content, was taken from a larger recruiting event designed to give prospects a sense of daily life at Oregon — including academics, housing, and team dynamics. Wrighster argued that judging such outreach based on a decontextualized segment risks misunderstanding how modern recruiting actually functions: less about transactional promises and more about fostering genuine connections that increase the likelihood of commitment and retention.
This perspective aligns with broader trends in college sports, where programs are increasingly judged not just by on-field results but by how well they support student-athletes through graduation and beyond. Oregon’s continued focus on the “total experience” reflects an effort to differentiate itself in a crowded recruiting landscape where NIL opportunities are widespread but not always evenly distributed or sustainable.
Kyle Whittingham and the Case for Collective Bargaining
Few voices in college football have been as consistent and principled on the demand for structural reform as Kyle Whittingham, head coach at the University of Utah. Entering his 20th season in 2024, Whittingham has repeatedly argued that the current model — characterized by uneven revenue sharing, unilateral rule changes, and limited player representation — is unsustainable. His solution? A move toward collective bargaining, standardized contracts, and a more professional framework that grants athletes a formal voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Whittingham’s advocacy is rooted in both practical experience and observation. Having coached through multiple eras of conference realignment, NIL emergence, and transfer portal growth, he has seen firsthand how instability affects not just competitive balance but also student-athlete well-being. In public statements and interviews, he has stressed that without negotiated agreements covering health and safety protocols, travel conditions, time demands, and compensation structures, the sport will continue to lurch from controversy to controversy.
His position gains added weight when considered alongside similar calls from other coaches and administrators who recognize that the current system places too much burden on individual institutions to navigate complex national trends. A collectively bargained framework, Whittingham argues, would create baseline standards while still allowing for innovation and regional differences — much like what exists in professional sports leagues.
While no formal collective bargaining agreement currently exists for college athletes at the national level, discussions have intensified following NCAA policy changes that granted athletes greater NIL freedoms. Some conferences have begun exploring internal models, and federal legislation has been proposed in Congress to establish clearer rights and protections. Whittingham has consistently supported these efforts, framing them not as radical departures but as necessary evolutions toward fairness and stability.
The Modern Coach as CEO: Managing a Multimillion-Dollar Operation
The role of a college football head coach has evolved far beyond play-calling and player motivation. Today’s coaches operate as chief executives of complex organizations that include hundreds of staff members, multimillion-dollar budgets, media relations departments, and extensive alumni and booster networks. This shift has been driven by the commercialization of college sports, the rise of NIL collectives, and the increasing expectations placed on athletic programs to generate revenue while maintaining compliance with evolving NCAA guidelines.
This reality was underscored in The Unafraid Show, where Wrighster noted that modern coaches must now oversee functions traditionally reserved for corporate leadership: strategic planning, financial oversight, crisis communication, and talent acquisition and retention — all while remaining accountable to university administrators, fans, and media. The ability to balance these responsibilities often separates sustained success from short-lived spikes in performance.
Programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia exemplify this model, where coaching staffs work closely with athletic directors, chief financial officers, and NIL coordinators to align on-field strategy with off-field infrastructure. Success is no longer measured solely by wins and losses but by metrics such as donor retention, merchandise sales, social media engagement, and graduation rates — all of which contribute to long-term program health.
For coaches entering high-profile jobs, like Lane Kiffin at LSU or Jeff Brohm at Louisville, the learning curve includes mastering not just Xs and Os but also organizational behavior, public relations, and stakeholder management. Those who adapt quickly tend to build stronger support systems within their departments and communities, creating resilience against the inevitable pressures of a sport where expectations are high and patience is often short.
Ranking the Top 10 College Football Fan Bases
One of the most engaging segments from The Unafraid Show was George Wrighster’s breakdown of the top 10 college football fan bases, a list that combined tradition, travel, atmosphere, and overall impact on game-day experience. Rather than relying solely on size or noise levels, Wrighster evaluated programs based on a combination of factors: historical consistency, national reach, postseason travel, and the ability to create a distinct home-field advantage.
At the top of the list stood Ohio State, praised for its massive alumni network, consistent sellout crowds at Ohio Stadium, and nationwide presence — particularly evident during bowl games and playoff appearances. Notre Dame followed in second, valued for its unique national brand, independent scheduling, and passionate global following that transcends geography. Oregon claimed third place, recognized for its innovative uniform combinations, energetic Autzen Stadium environment, and strong Pacific Northwest identity that translates well to away games.
The remainder of the top 10 included Texas (No. 4), Alabama (No. 5), Florida (No. 6), Nebraska (No. 7), Penn State (No. 8), Texas A&M (No. 9), and Wisconsin (No. 10). Each program was noted for specific strengths: Texas for its returning prominence and massive recruiting base; Alabama for its sustained excellence and disciplined fan culture; Florida for its festive atmosphere and regional dominance; Nebraska for its historic loyalty and sea of red in Memorial Stadium; Penn State for its white-out traditions and traveling support; Texas A&M for its unique Corps of Cadets traditions and midnight yell practice; and Wisconsin for its Camp Randall Stadium intensity and Badger State unity.
Wrighster also offered honorable mentions to programs like Indiana, Utah, LSU, Michigan, and Iowa — acknowledging their passionate followings while noting that they fell just outside the top tier due to factors such as inconsistent recent performance, smaller national footprints, or stadium limitations. The segment served as both a celebration of college football’s cultural richness and a reminder that fan engagement remains one of the sport’s most powerful intangible assets.
As the 2024 season progresses, the interaction between these fan bases and their teams will continue to shape narratives — from home-field advantage in rivalry games to the economic impact of bowl travel and merchandise sales. In an era where loyalty is increasingly tested by transfers, coaching changes, and NIL opportunities, the strength of a program’s connection to its supporters may prove as vital as any playbook or recruiting class.