TL;DR
- * Jeremiah Smith Jr.
- emerged as Ohio State's next star wide receiver after an impressive freshman season.
- * He achieved 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns, ranking high in single-season school history.
- * Smith's performance against Penn State included 123 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his talent.
When Jeremiah Smith Jr. After sprinting past Oregon Duck defenders for 187 yards in the Rose Bowl, it became evident that Ohio State had discovered its subsequent star wide receiver. While exceptional freshmen frequently garner attention, Smith's first season saw him achieve a level of immediate influence that few others have matched.
Selected from Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna High School as the country'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 rapidly ascended to that echelon, guiding the Buckeyes to the 2024 national championship.
During his debut season, Smith achieved 76 catches, amassing 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, marking the second-highest touchdown total and fourth-highest receiving yardage in a single season for the school.
Smith's exceptional performance was evident on Saturday during the 38-14 victory against Penn State. He snagged six receptions totaling 123 yards and found the end zone twice, with one of those scores being a 57-yard play that proved pivotal in widening the lead.
This also signaled to Heisman Trophy voters nationwide that Smith was prepared to compete alongside all quarterbacks, including his teammate, Julian Sayin.
Having two additional seasons of eligibility remaining, Smith has the potential to ascend into the program's top five all-time rankings across all significant receiving statistics. 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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