The bond formed among college football championship teams is strong and undeniable, and it’s a well-established truth.

However, money can alter circumstances dramatically.

The primary reason for Ohio State freshman star receiver Jeremiah Smith – who shone as the standout player in the national championship game against Notre Dame – to consider entering the transfer portal is financial opportunity.

Although the national championship trophy has not been engraved yet, there’s clear evidence that in today’s world of college sports, players should chase lucrative NIL opportunities instead of ignoring them.

With two years still until the NFL beckons Smith, he should protect himself against the risk of injury that could derail his career without first maximizing his earnings.

This is not about loyalty to the school but securing one’s financial future in a sport that is physically demanding and where a player’s career can end on any play.

“I’ve got two, three years left of college,” Smith commented. “I’m just focused on college right now.”

And that’s where this awkward but necessary discussion begins.

Football, whether in college or the NFL, revolves around one question: What can you do for me today? When a player’s performance declines, they are often replaced without hesitation.

In the past four years, the influx of NIL deals has drawn college football closer to the dynamics of the NFL. The reality is harsh: Once players can no longer perform at a high level, they are let go.

“Thanks for your service, but we’re moving on.” It may not seem cold in college football, but it certainly has similar business implications.

College football is fundamentally a business, perhaps more favorable for players than what the NFL Players Association could ever negotiate. Players are allowed to transfer freely every season.

They can exceed the terms of their current contract in a year and then switch teams for a better offer. Unlike college football, the NFL can feel like a lengthy contractual obligation for first-round draft picks.

For the first five years, clubs retain players with contracts that often come with options for extensions, controlling their negotiating conditions thereafter. If an agreement isn’t reached, franchise tags can be employed multiple times, forcing players into one-year contracts.

If a player suffers a significant injury during that year under the franchise tag, they are left in a precarious position. As always, the league moves on.

Smith needs to regard his upcoming two college football seasons with this financial perspective. Not seeing things this way would be a mistake.

Former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the first wide receiver drafted last year, selected No.4 overall by the Cardinals, securing a fully guaranteed contract worth $35.3 million.

Smith stands to be the top receiver chosen in this year’s draft, likely landing in the Top 5. Essentially, this would mean a similar deal as Harrison’s.

This possibility underscores the significance of a potential transfer for Smith. His current compensation from Ohio State may be lacking due to his performance exceeding original agreements.

By entering the portal, he could negotiate a return with an improved contract from Ohio State while still upholding the ideals of loyalty and team spirit. It could send a positive message about valuing both educational commitment and financial gain.

However, he could also use the portal to gauge his value on the open market before going back to see if Ohio State can match or exceed those figures. Should they not, he would still carry a championship title and cherished memories.

Perhaps he might even return to Miami, where he grew up and triumphed with three state championships at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. That would be four consecutive titles, with him being the standout performer each time.

“It just shows that I picked two great schools,” Smith remarked.

Now it’s time for another decision, to explore the open market and evaluate his options, be it with Ohio State or a different program.

This isn’t merely about pursuing money, a lack of loyalty, or abandoning teammates. It’s fundamentally about securing a stable financial future.

To ignore external opportunities would be financially irresponsible for Smith or any elite college player on a one-year contract. If college football is indeed reflecting the NFL model, then one universal truth remains.

Players will be utilized until they cannot perform and then are replaced. The difference lies in college players having control over their moves and finances.

And indeed, money changes everything.

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for News Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.