Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is capturing headlines as he dominates the College Football Playoff, showcasing why he's considered one of the best true freshmen wide receivers of all time. The Buckeyes' first-round playoff victories have underscored Smith's impressive stats: he accumulated 13 catches, 290 yards, and four touchdowns against No. 9 Tennessee and top-seeded Oregon.
According to ESPN's Bill Connelly, Smith's historic season has catapulted him to the rank of the best true freshman receiver, placing him 11th overall among all-time freshman seasons. He currently holds program records for the most receptions (70), receiving yards (1,224), and touchdowns (14) by a true freshman. Smith has more than lived up to his five-star recruiting status, leaving fans wondering where his ceiling might be.
What’s impressive about Smith, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 215 pounds, is not just the numbers. His razor-sharp instincts on the field have drawn comparisons to NFL greats. Following Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, he posted a picture on social media with former Buckeye Michael Thomas, captioned simply, "legendary." It’s clear Smith aims to carve out his own legacy alongside Ohio State's storied history of exceptional wide receivers.
"He’s strong; he attacks the ball as well as any receiver I’ve seen," said Oregon's head coach Dan Lanning after the Rose Bowl. Smith's performance was far from average; with 7 catches for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns, he stole the show, significantly impacting Ohio State’s 41-21 victory.
The defining moment of Smith's rookie season came during the playoffs when he caught four touchdowns and averaged 145 yards across two games. His coach, Ryan Day, noted his growth as not just physically but also emotionally and mentally, which contributed to his maturity on the field.
Yet, the pressure remains high for Smith and his teammates. The Buckeyes face No. 5 Texas on January 10 for the Cotton Bowl semifinal, where they have the opportunity to secure their spot in the National Championship game.
"When you have a mismatch player like Jeremiah, everything changes," remarked Nick Saban during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The former Alabama coach compared Smith to Alabama legend Julio Jones, highlighting Smith's ability to create mismatches against any defense. His knack for making big plays cannot be overstated, especially after he vowed to perform even stronger against Oregon than their last encounter back in October.
Smith is not one to back away from challenges. Before the Rose Bowl, he warned Oregon's defense not to play man coverage against him, signaling his confidence. "They’re going to see a completely different player than the last time we played Oregon," he boasted, and he certainly delivered on his promise.
Much like his predecessor, Thomas, Smith aims to help the Buckeyes reclaim the national championship glory they tasted during the 2014-15 season. The excitement surrounding him suggests he is no ordinary freshman; he could very well become one of the best to wear the Buckeye uniform.
Through his breakout season, recognition has poured in for Smith, with accolades including Big Ten Receiver of the Year and the potential for more honors as he advances through his college career. Yet, staying grounded seems to be important for him. "It’s a blessing, but I just can’t let these accolades get to my head," he explained, focusing on the growth he still hopes to achieve over the coming years.
The nation will be watching as Smith and the Buckeyes prepare to take on Texas, with many experts already calling Smith one of the most dangerous receivers to watch. His ability to perform under pressure could be the X-factor determining the outcome of this pivotal matchup. The winner of this game will advance to face either Penn State or Notre Dame, making it clear just how high the stakes are.
Smith's remarkable first collegiate season is shaping up to be one for the ages. If he continues on this path, there's no telling how much more he will achieve by the time he wraps up his career with the Buckeyes. But one thing is clear: Ohio State fans have much to be excited about as they cheer for this rising star.