The buzz surrounding Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is no longer just hype—it’s expectation. After arriving in Columbus as the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, Smith’s freshman year offered flashes of brilliance, but it’s 2025 that could be his true coming-out party. Now a sophomore, he’s no longer the “next big thing”—he’s positioned to be the big thing in college football this season.
From the moment he stepped on campus, Smith’s physical tools stood out. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, with elite speed, crisp route-running, and rare body control, he was already built like a Sunday player. As a true freshman, he quickly earned playing time in a stacked Ohio State receiver room, showcasing glimpses of what made him a five-star prospect.
Though his first season was more about acclimating than dominating—finishing with modest numbers in limited snaps—those close to the program insist it was never about immediate production. Ohio State’s plan was always to slowly integrate him, just as they’ve done with other superstar wideouts like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. before him.
Now, the stage is his.
With Marvin Harrison Jr. off to the NFL and other veteran pass-catchers either graduated or moving on, Smith is expected to become the focal point of the Buckeyes’ offense. Early reports from spring practices and summer workouts suggest he’s embraced that role with the kind of maturity rarely seen in a 19-year-old. Coaches have raved about his work ethic, competitive drive, and growing leadership presence in the locker room.
“Jeremiah is different,” said wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, who has mentored nearly every elite Ohio State wideout in the past decade. “He has the mindset, the ability, and now the experience to become the best receiver in college football.”
What makes Smith especially dangerous in 2025 is the complete skill set he brings to the table. He’s not just a deep threat or a possession guy—he can do everything. On third downs, he’s the security blanket. In the red zone, he’s the mismatch. In open space, he’s a nightmare to tackle. He can line up inside or outside, and he’s equally comfortable beating man coverage or finding holes in a zone.
But what separates Smith even more is his competitive fire. Those who know him best describe a player obsessed with improvement—constantly studying film, staying after practice, and pushing teammates to match his intensity. That drive, paired with his rare athleticism, gives him a chance to not only be great, but dominant.
Expectations will be sky-high in Columbus this fall, and for good reason. With a new quarterback taking over the reins, likely former five-star Devin Brown or redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz, Smith will be the go-to target in what is traditionally one of the most explosive passing attacks in the country. If he and his quarterback can build strong chemistry, Smith could flirt with the kind of numbers that define Biletnikoff Award seasons.
National analysts are already penciling him in as a top breakout candidate for 2025, and his name is circulating in early mock drafts for 2026—despite being only a sophomore. NFL scouts have taken notice, too, frequently showing up at Ohio State practices this offseason to get a glimpse of the next great Buckeye receiver.
Still, Smith isn’t paying attention to outside noise. In interviews, he remains humble and focused on team goals.
“I came to Ohio State to win championships,” Smith said during spring media day. “The individual stuff will take care of itself if I keep putting in the work and helping my team win.”
That mentality is part of what makes him so dangerous. He doesn’t just want to be great—he wants to earn it.
As the 2025 season draws closer, the spotlight will intensify, and with it, the pressure. But if there’s one player built to handle that heat, it’s Jeremiah Smith. With the tools, the mindset, and the opportunity all aligned, he’s poised to not only take over Ohio State’s offense—but to take over college football itself.
