When Jeremiah Smith Jr. Sprinted past Oregon Duck defenders for 187 yards in the Rose Bowl, it became clear Ohio State had found its next star wide receiver. Freshman phenoms often make headlines, but few have delivered the kind of immediate impact Smith produced in his first season.
Recruited out of Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna High School as the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 class, Smith quickly proved he belonged in the Buckeyes’ storied line of receivers.
Ohio State has long been synonymous with elite pass-catching talent — from Marvin Harrison Jr. And Chris Olave to Garrett Wilson, Terry Glenn and David Boston — earning the nickname “Wide Receiver University.” Smith has quickly joined that group, helping lead the Buckeyes to the 2024 national championship.
In his freshman season, Smith recorded 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, the second-most scores in a single season and fourth-most receiving yards in school history.
Smith’s brilliance was on display Saturday in a 38-14 win over Penn State. He caught six passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard score that helped break open the game.
This also sent a message to Heisman voters around the country that Smith was ready to put his name in the running with all quarterbacks, including his own, Julian Sayin.
With two more seasons of eligibility, Smith could climb into the program’s all-time top five in every major receiving category. If his freshman campaign is any indication, the Buckeyes’ newest star is already carving his place in “Wide Receiver U” history.
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