Under the wide blue sky of rural Ocala, Florida, where the sound of wind through the pines mingles with the soft neighing of rescued horses, Jeremiah Smith, the standout wide receiver for Ohio State, is building something that has nothing to do with touchdowns, trophies, or fame.

It’s called Freedom Ranch — a sprawling, 150-acre sanctuary valued at over $4 million, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and abused horses across the United States. For Smith, just 20 years old and already one of college football’s most electrifying stars, this isn’t just a side project. It’s his mission.

“This is more than a shelter,” Smith said, standing beside the first rescued horse brought to the property. “We provide rehabilitation, retraining, 24/7 veterinary care, and a place for kids to connect with these animals. Most importantly, we give them a second chance at life.”

From the Gridiron to the Pasture

For most athletes, the offseason means rest, recovery, and endorsement deals. But while many of his teammates spent their spring break on vacation, Jeremiah Smith was walking across acres of dirt and grass, working side-by-side with local builders to lay the foundations of Freedom Ranch.

His motivation came from an unexpected place — a story that stuck with him long before he became a national name.

“When I was a kid, I saw a horse get left behind on an old property near where I grew up,” he recalled. “Nobody came for it. It was starving, alone, and scared. I remember thinking, How can something that powerful, that beautiful, be forgotten like that? That moment never left me.”

Years later, after Smith’s rise through high school stardom and recruitment to Ohio State, the vision of that horse evolved into something tangible — a promise to use his success for more than just personal glory.

A Safe Haven for the Forgotten

Freedom Ranch currently houses 47 rescued horses, many of whom were saved from neglect, illegal racing operations, or owners who could no longer care for them. Each animal has its own story — and now, its own stall, open pasture, and caretakers devoted to its recovery.

The ranch employs a full-time staff of trainers, veterinarians, and volunteers, many of whom live on-site. Horses receive medical treatment, dental care, and specialized nutrition plans. Some are retrained for therapeutic riding programs with children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

“It’s amazing what love, patience, and consistency can do,” said Dr. Amanda Fields, the ranch’s head veterinarian. “When Jeremiah says ‘second chance,’ he means it. These animals don’t just survive here — they heal.”

Smith personally funds the majority of the ranch’s expenses through his sponsorship deals, donations, and personal contributions. “Every dollar I’ve made that didn’t need to go to football, I’ve put into this place,” he said. “I’m investing in life — not luxury.”

A Place Where Healing Works Both Ways

While Freedom Ranch is primarily a sanctuary for horses, Smith envisions it as a place of mutual healing — where people, especially children, can rediscover empathy and connection.

The ranch’s community programs invite local schools, youth centers, and foster care organizations to visit and interact with the animals. Kids help feed, brush, and walk the horses, learning responsibility and compassion in the process.

“I see a lot of kids who come here carrying pain — maybe their parents split up, maybe they’re struggling in school,” Smith said. “Then they meet a horse that’s been through worse and still stands tall. Suddenly, they find strength they didn’t know they had. That’s the real power of this place.”

Freedom Ranch is also partnering with local veterans’ groups to develop an Equine Therapy Program — offering sessions designed to help those suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or depression. “Horses mirror emotions,” explained Dr. Fields. “They teach presence, patience, and trust. For many, it’s a kind of therapy that words can’t provide.”

Inspiring a New Generation of Athlete Advocates

Jeremiah Smith’s initiative has already started a ripple effect throughout the sports world. Within days of Freedom Ranch’s official announcement, several other college and professional athletes reached out to express interest in contributing.

“I’m not the only one who cares,” Smith said. “There are so many athletes who want to give back but don’t know where to start. I want Freedom Ranch to be a model — something others can build on. If we can make it normal for athletes to invest in compassion, not just competition, then we’re changing the game.”

Former Ohio State players, including NFL alumni, have pledged support through donations and awareness campaigns. The ranch is also working on partnerships with national animal welfare organizations to expand its reach across the Southeast.

Balancing Stardom and Service

Managing a top-tier athletic career and a multimillion-dollar nonprofit might seem impossible, but Smith approaches both with the same discipline that made him a football phenom. His days are meticulously scheduled: training and classes in the morning, game film review in the afternoon, and virtual meetings with ranch staff in the evenings.

“Football taught me structure,” he said. “If you can read a defense at full speed, you can manage a ranch — it’s just about preparation and heart.”

Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day praised his player’s initiative, calling Smith “a leader on and off the field.”

“Jeremiah represents what it means to be a Buckeye,” Day said. “He’s using his platform for something bigger than himself, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Freedom Ranch: The Bigger Vision

Though only a few months old, Freedom Ranch already plans for expansion. Smith has acquired neighboring parcels of land to develop new facilities — including an equine hospital, volunteer dormitories, and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

The long-term goal, he says, is to make Freedom Ranch a national model for animal rescue and welfare education — a blueprint that other athletes, schools, and communities can replicate across the country.

“I want kids growing up in every state to know what compassion looks like,” Smith said. “If that means a football player has to lead the way, then I’m all in.”

He paused, glancing across the open pastures, where the late-afternoon sun painted the scene gold. A few horses trotted lazily in the distance, tails flicking, manes glowing in the light.

“That’s what freedom looks like,” he said softly. “That’s why we’re here.”

A Legacy of Compassion

As Jeremiah Smith prepares for another standout season with the Buckeyes — and possibly a future in the NFL — Freedom Ranch stands as proof that greatness isn’t just measured in yards or touchdowns.

It’s measured in heartbeats — in the gentle sound of hooves on new grass, in the laughter of children brushing rescued horses, and in the quiet belief that kindness can be as powerful as competition.

Because for Jeremiah Smith, the story isn’t about escaping football’s spotlight — it’s about using it.

And somewhere in Florida tonight, 47 horses rest peacefully, finally safe, because one young man decided that “every life deserves a second chance.”