LeBron James makes feelings clear about $3.7M NIL-valued Ohio State star in 4 words

LeBron James is a huge fan of Ohio State football, so he was ecstatic when the Buckeyes beat the Oregon Ducks at the 2025 Rose Bowl. James also made his feelings clear about OSU's star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was named the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP.

On his Instagram stories, James shared an ESPN graphic featuring Smith and a bunch of roses. The $3.7 million NIL-valued athlete had seven catches for 187 yards in Ohio State's 41-21 win. He also scored two touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes take home the Leishman Trophy.

"ONE OF THEM 1S," James wrote.

LeBron James shared this on his Instagram stories. (Photo: Screengrabbed from @kingjames on IG)

The game was already over after the first half, with Ohio State ahead 34-8. The second half was just a formality as the Buckeyes crowd inside the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, cheered the victory. It was OSU's 10th Rose Bowl title, which is the second-most in competition history, just behind USC's 25.

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LeBron James is a lifelong Ohio State fan

It's no secret that LeBron James is a big supporter of Ohio State, whether it's football or basketball. James grew up in Akron, Ohio and quickly fell in love with Buckeyes stars Eddie George and David Boston, as per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.

The university and its fanbase have embraced James as one of their own. "The King" would have certainly played college basketball for Ohio State if he hadn't gone directly to the NBA after high school. He has been a constant presence in Buckeye games over the years, despite signing with the LA Lakers in 2018.

"The fans, the alumni fan base, the kids that are there, the tenured bit," James said in 2023. "Like how many people always come back to their respective schools? I just think it's super, duper cool. ... I feel like an honorary alum, for sure."

Despite his love for Ohio State, LeBron's son Bronny James chose to play for USC in 2023. His second son, Bryce James, also spurned the Buckeyes by committing to a different program.

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LeBron James' son Bryce chooses Arizona over Ohio State

Bryce James, the second son of LeBron James, is in his final year of high school. He was expected to play college basketball, with offers from Duquesne and Ohio State. However, Bryce decided to play for Arizona under coach Tommy Lloyd, who has been in charge of the program since 2021.

Bryce is rated as a four-star prospect, with Duquesne making an offer as early as 2022. He then visited Ohio State in 2023 before an unofficial visit to Arizona last year. He's averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist for Sierra Canyon as a senior.