In a landscape dominated by quarterbacks, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is carving out his own historic path. ESPN’s recent report recognizing the sophomore wide receiver as one of the “Top 25 Best Non-QB Players in College Football” has amplified his national profile—and stirred the conversation around his candidacy for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. The distinction is not only a personal milestone but a signal to the college football world: Jeremiah Smith is not just playing at an elite level—he is redefining what excellence looks like at the wide receiver position.
This development comes at a pivotal moment for Ohio State, a program looking to reclaim its place atop the college football hierarchy. With new offensive pieces, a reenergized coaching staff, and a defense capable of championship-caliber performances, Smith has emerged as a centerpiece—both symbolically and strategically. Let’s dive into why this honor matters, how Smith is positioned to chase the Heisman, and what it means for the Buckeyes moving forward.
The ESPN Recognition: More Than Just a List
Being named one of ESPN’s Top 25 Non-QB players is a noteworthy honor in and of itself. It means Smith has already separated himself from thousands of his peers and has proven himself an elite talent in just one collegiate season. The criteria for selection include impact on the game, projected 2025 performance, skillset versatility, and the player’s value to their team’s success.
Jeremiah Smith’s inclusion as one of only a few underclassmen—let alone a wide receiver—speaks volumes. Most players who make the list are juniors or seniors, proven veterans with multiple years of production. Smith, however, earned the nod after a freshman season in which he totaled 1,141 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and numerous highlight-reel plays that ignited the Ohio Stadium crowd and national audiences alike.
It also marks the first time since Marvin Harrison Jr. that an Ohio State wideout has generated this much offseason buzz. But Smith’s ceiling may be even higher.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Smith’s Historic Freshman Campaign
To understand the magnitude of Smith’s rise, look no further than his freshman statistics. As a true freshman, he didn’t just earn playing time—he dominated. In an offense that initially leaned on veterans, Smith forced his way into the spotlight, posting stat lines that rivaled the best in the country.
- Receptions: 81
- Receiving Yards: 1,141
- Touchdowns: 12
- Yards per Catch: 14.1
- Yards After Catch (YAC): 468
These numbers don’t just show volume—they reflect efficiency, explosiveness, and a wideout capable of breaking open games at any moment. Against top-10 defenses like Penn State and Michigan, Smith proved he could still produce under pressure, grabbing a combined 17 catches for 236 yards and two scores.
His presence in the red zone made him a nightmare for defensive coordinators, while his ability to stretch the field opened up Ohio State’s entire offense. These are traits that Heisman voters will be forced to consider if his trajectory continues.
The Heisman Hurdle: Wide Receivers Rarely Win, But…
Traditionally, the Heisman Trophy has been a quarterback’s domain. Since 2000, only three non-quarterbacks have claimed college football’s most prestigious individual award: Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama, 2009), Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama, 2015), and DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama, 2020). For a wide receiver to win, it typically requires:
- Outstanding production—numbers that can’t be ignored.
- Signature performances in primetime games.
- A strong team record, often playoff-bound.
- Media momentum and sustained narrative buzz.
Jeremiah Smith is already checking those boxes. He has the talent to post absurd numbers, and Ohio State is projected to be a top-4 team again in 2025. The Buckeyes’ new-look offense, led by second-year quarterback Devin Brown and a revamped offensive line, could push the tempo and increase Smith’s touches.
More importantly, Ohio State’s 2025 schedule includes high-profile games against Texas, Penn State, and Michigan. Each one will be nationally televised, and Smith will have multiple chances to deliver the kind of “Heisman moments” that captivate voters.
Smith’s Competitive Edge: What Separates Him
There are fast receivers. There are polished route runners. And then there is Jeremiah Smith, who blends speed, size, strength, and IQ in a way rarely seen from a college receiver.
- Size/Speed Combo: At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Smith possesses NFL-caliber physical traits. He reportedly ran a 4.39 forty-yard dash this offseason and showed improved agility and strength in spring workouts.
- Route Precision: His ability to create separation with footwork and head fakes belies his age. Coaches compare his polish to Marvin Harrison Jr., but with a more physical frame.
- Yards After Catch: Smith is not just a deep threat. His YAC figures suggest he can turn a five-yard slant into a 60-yard touchdown, giving Ohio State flexibility in playcalling.
- Work Ethic: What has impressed OSU staff most is Smith’s dedication off the field. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline called him “the hardest-working underclassman I’ve ever coached.”
These intangibles are the secret ingredient that makes a Heisman run possible—not just talent, but tireless preparation.
Ohio State’s Heisman Blueprint: Setting the Stage
If Ohio State wants Jeremiah Smith to be in New York in December, they know what to do—they’ve done it before.
In 2020, Alabama tailored parts of its offense to spotlight DeVonta Smith, using screens, deep shots, and motion to get him into space. Ohio State appears poised to do the same, especially with a more experienced Devin Brown under center and fewer mouths to feed in the receiving room.
Expect the Buckeyes to:
- Target Smith 10–12 times per game.
- Feature him in jet sweeps and reverses.
- Create mismatches by moving him into the slot.
- Design red zone plays specifically for him.
In short, Jeremiah Smith is going to be the offense’s identity. If he delivers, the Heisman conversation will go from speculative to serious very quickly.
National Media Buzz: Momentum Is Building
The ESPN ranking wasn’t just an isolated honor—it triggered a wave of attention across sports media. Analysts from The Athletic, Fox Sports, and 247Sports all began projecting Smith as a top-5 Heisman contender, especially given the uncertainty surrounding quarterbacks nationally.
With USC’s Malachi Nelson still finding his rhythm, Georgia and Alabama breaking in new starters, and no clear Heisman frontrunner at QB, Smith’s chances grow stronger by the week.
He’s also a social media darling. His viral catches, flashy celebrations, and polished interviews make him marketable—a trait voters subconsciously consider in close races. If he hits 1,500 yards and 15+ touchdowns while Ohio State wins 11+ games, he may very well be sitting in New York come December.
NFL Scouts Are Already Watching
While the Heisman remains the immediate goal, Jeremiah Smith’s long-term trajectory also includes being a top NFL Draft pick in 2026. Multiple scouts already compare him to a hybrid of A.J. Brown and Ja’Marr Chase, citing his blend of toughness and explosiveness.
One NFC executive told ESPN, “He’ll be WR1 in the 2026 class unless something insane happens. He’s that good already, and he hasn’t scratched the surface.”
Smith’s route to the Heisman could also serve as a dress rehearsal for dominating the pre-draft process down the line.
What This Means for Ohio State
Perhaps the biggest winner in all of this is the Buckeye football program. Having a Heisman contender galvanizes a fan base, enhances recruiting visibility, and provides a leadership figure for the locker room.
If Jeremiah Smith continues his ascent, Ohio State could see a return to the offensive dominance that defined the Urban Meyer and early Ryan Day years. It’s a rejuvenation Buckeye Nation has been craving, and Smith might just be the catalyst to a national title run.
Jeremiah Smith is no longer a secret weapon—he’s front and center on the national stage. With ESPN’s Top 25 recognition placing him among college football’s elite, his Heisman campaign is alive, well, and gaining steam.
But for Smith, it’s not about the accolades. In spring camp, when asked about his goals, he simply said: “I want to win. The rest takes care of itself.”
That mindset, combined with elite skill and a spotlighted role, might just take care of the rest—including college football’s most coveted individual honor.
Heisman Watch: Jeremiah Smith’s 2025 Projection
| Stat Category | Projection |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 95–105 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,450–1,600 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 14–17 |
| Team Record | 11–1 or 12–0 |
| Heisman Finalist Odds | +450 (2nd best) |
