On Friday, the college football transfer portal reopened and gives programs around the country the chance to acquire game-changing players for 2026. This year’s portal features star players like Dylan Raiola, Sam Leavitt, Cam Coleman, Wayen Knight, and John Henry Daley. But what if arguably the best player in the sport, Jeremiah Smith, entered the portal?
Is the star wide receiver breaking the hearts of Buckeye fans and leaving Ohio State possible? Probably not, but money talks, and the Florida native would get a massive payday for 2026 before he jumps to the NFL in 2027. With that in mind, we play some fantasy transfer portal and look at five teams that would target the uber-talented pass catcher if he were available.
- Jeremiah Smith stats: 87 catches, 1,243 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, 14.3 yards per catch
Miami Hurricanes
While Smith chose to play for Ohio State when he made the move to the college ranks last year, he was very close to staying home in Miami to play for the Hurricanes. The university is willing to spend big bucks and showed it when they brought in Georgia QB Carson Beck to chase a title in 2025. They could do it again if they feel bringing the best player in the sport back home could help them go after another championship in 2026.
Florida Gators
If Jeremiah Smith actually entered the transfer portal, it would be to get the best payday possible. He probably wouldn’t mind being close to home for what would be his final season in college, but he could get that and the money from another powerhouse school like Florida.
They are in the midst of a major regime change and badly want to get back to the days of being perennial title contenders. Going after a superstar talent, if he became available, would do a lot to boost the brand and success rate of new head coach Jon Sumrall in his debut season
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is one of the biggest brands in college football, and is a likely reason why they got a spot in the playoffs this year over Notre Dame. In their loss to Indiana in the quarterfinals, they showed they still lack the talent to be a real title contender. However, pairing Smith with talented QB Ty Simpson could create big offensive numbers in 2026.
If the receiver was available in the transfer portal, Alabama and its budget would be a real threat.
LSU Tigers
Many expect LSU and new head coach Lane Kiffin to make a big splash in the transfer portal. And that could come by signing Cincinnati star QB Brendan Sorsby. If Smith hit the portal, shelling out even more to get Sorsby the best No. 1 WR in the game wouldn’t be shocking.
The Tigers are desperate to once again be a top-five program in the nation. So they can’t be ruled out for any big-name player that hits the portal.
Texas Longhorns
Texas is similar to LSU in its strong desire to once again be the cream of the college football crop. And they have the resources to do it. However, what might make them more appealing to Smith beyond a huge payday is that the Longhorns are just as prestigious a program as OSU, have a very good coach, and also a talented QB with very high upside in Arch Manning.
The thought of Manning with a full year of starting experience under his belt with Smith to throw to is terrifying.
