At Big Ten Media Days, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti made headlines when he couldn’t hold back his admiration for Ohio State’s freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, showering him with praise that instantly sparked conversations across college football circles. With the confidence and candor that have become trademarks of his coaching style, Cignetti referred to Smith as a “freak” and a “weapon,” going a step further by comparing the young wide receiver to NFL superstar Julio Jones. Such high praise coming from an opposing Big Ten coach not only underscores Smith’s raw talent but also highlights how impactful he is expected to be in his very first season with the Buckeyes. When a coach who is tasked with game planning against a rival program openly speaks with such reverence, it signals that Smith’s reputation is already transcending traditional freshman expectations.
Jeremiah Smith’s name has been on the radar for quite some time, and his reputation as one of the most polished and physically gifted receivers in recent memory was established long before he set foot on Ohio State’s campus. As the number one ranked recruit in the 2024 class according to virtually every major recruiting service, Smith has been the subject of hype and scrutiny in equal measure. His frame, speed, and route-running capabilities have often been described as NFL-ready, and he was the crown jewel of Ohio State’s most recent recruiting haul. Cignetti’s glowing assessment at Big Ten Media Days, where coaches, players, and media gather to set the stage for the upcoming season, added another layer of validation to what many scouts and analysts have been saying for months: Jeremiah Smith is not just a good player; he’s potentially a generational talent.
What makes Cignetti’s praise stand out is the comparison to Julio Jones, a player widely regarded as one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL over the past decade. Jones, known for his rare blend of size, speed, athleticism, and work ethic, has long been a prototype for what a modern wide receiver should be. By drawing this comparison, Cignetti is essentially saying that Jeremiah Smith possesses the same qualities that made Jones a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the most feared players in professional football. It’s not every day that a college freshman, yet to play a single down of collegiate football, is likened to a player of Jones’ caliber. But that’s exactly the kind of impression Smith has made during his high school career, offseason workouts, and early practices with Ohio State.
Cignetti’s comments also highlight the respect Ohio State has earned as a program that consistently produces elite wide receivers. In recent years, the Buckeyes have become known as “WRU” due to the sheer volume of NFL-caliber talent they have developed, from Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., who is poised to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeremiah Smith is seen as the next in this illustrious line of superstar receivers, and expectations for him are sky-high. His combination of size—standing around 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds—along with a remarkable catch radius and breakaway speed, makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense. Even veteran defensive backs find it challenging to stay with him because of his ability to win contested catches and create separation with sharp, precise routes.
From a recruiting standpoint, Smith’s commitment to Ohio State was a massive victory for head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, who has developed a reputation for being one of the best position coaches in the country. Hartline’s success in molding raw talent into NFL-ready stars has been a key factor in Ohio State’s ability to attract top-tier recruits year after year. Jeremiah Smith’s presence in the locker room not only elevates the overall talent level but also serves as a signal to future recruits that the Buckeyes remain a premier destination for skill position players who aspire to play at the highest level.
At Big Ten Media Days, Cignetti went beyond just praising Smith’s physical gifts. He emphasized the importance of players who can tilt the field, describing Smith as someone who can change the dynamic of a game in a single play. Calling him a “freak” wasn’t meant to be casual—it’s a label reserved for players who have an uncommon combination of physical tools and mental toughness. “He’s a freak. He’s a weapon,” Cignetti reportedly said, with an almost admiring tone, acknowledging that players like Smith are rare and can single-handedly shift the balance of a matchup. Coming from a coach who prides himself on building disciplined, competitive teams, this level of praise for a rival player speaks volumes.
The comparison to Julio Jones also raises intriguing questions about how Smith will be utilized within Ohio State’s offensive scheme. Julio Jones, during his time at Alabama, was a game-changing wideout who could dominate defensive backs with both physicality and finesse. Similarly, Smith has the versatility to line up across multiple positions—outside as a traditional X receiver, in the slot to exploit mismatches, or even as a decoy to draw double coverage and open up opportunities for his teammates. With quarterback Will Howard or the next starter likely leaning on Smith’s athleticism, Ohio State could unleash a passing attack that is both explosive and efficient.
What makes Smith particularly exciting is that his skill set is not limited to being a deep-ball threat. While his ability to stretch the field is undeniable, he also has the strength and body control to thrive in intermediate routes, quick slants, and back-shoulder throws. This multifaceted approach is what made Julio Jones so effective at every level of football, and if Smith can replicate even a fraction of that impact as a true freshman, he could emerge as one of the most dangerous players in the Big Ten almost immediately.
Cignetti’s remarks also reveal how opposing coaches are already strategizing around Smith. Defensive coordinators across the Big Ten are likely watching film, even if limited, to understand how to contain a player with his rare combination of size and speed. However, as history has shown with players like Jones, Calvin Johnson, and Larry Fitzgerald, truly elite wide receivers often remain unstoppable despite defenses throwing everything at them. Smith’s ability to outmuscle defenders at the line of scrimmage, high-point the football, and accelerate in the open field makes him a nightmare matchup for even the most experienced defensive backs.
The hype surrounding Jeremiah Smith also extends beyond the Big Ten. National analysts have already identified him as a player who could have a Heisman-caliber impact if Ohio State’s offense clicks at a high level. While quarterbacks often dominate Heisman conversations, there’s a growing recognition that wide receivers can also be game-changing forces, as evidenced by DeVonta Smith’s Heisman win in 2020. Jeremiah Smith’s blend of athleticism, production potential, and highlight-reel plays could put him in that rare conversation if he delivers on expectations.
Beyond the field, Smith’s work ethic and character have drawn praise from his coaches and peers. Known for his relentless drive to improve, he is often the first player in and the last one out during practice sessions. His maturity, despite being a freshman, sets him apart and aligns with the leadership culture that Ohio State has cultivated over the years. When players like Marvin Harrison Jr. speak highly of Smith’s willingness to learn and compete, it’s clear that he’s not just relying on natural talent—he’s putting in the effort required to be great.
Curt Cignetti’s comments at Big Ten Media Days might have been aimed at giving an honest assessment, but they also added fuel to the growing narrative that Jeremiah Smith could be one of the defining players of this upcoming college football season. For Indiana and other Big Ten programs, figuring out how to defend Smith will be a top priority, but as Cignetti himself alluded to, there’s only so much you can do against a player with that kind of talent. “He’s like Julio Jones,” Cignetti said, implying that sometimes greatness is simply uncontainable.
The road ahead for Smith will not be without challenges. As a freshman, he will face elite cornerbacks, sophisticated defensive schemes, and the pressure of living up to immense expectations. However, if his past performances are any indication, Smith is more than ready to meet these challenges head-on. His time at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, where he dominated some of the best high school competition in the country, showed that he thrives under pressure and consistently delivers when it matters most.
In the broader context of Ohio State’s season, Jeremiah Smith’s emergence could be the X-factor that propels the Buckeyes back to the College Football Playoff and possibly a national championship. With a roster stacked with talent on both sides of the ball, Ohio State’s success will depend on how well they integrate Smith into their offensive scheme. If he develops chemistry with his quarterback early and continues to evolve under Brian Hartline’s guidance, there’s little doubt that Smith will become a household name by the end of the season.
The Big Ten is known for its physical style of football, with defenses that pride themselves on toughness and discipline. Players like Smith, however, have the unique ability to transcend these norms and dictate the pace and style of the game. His size and athleticism allow him to dominate in contested catch situations, while his speed and agility make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. It’s this rare combination that has led Cignetti and others to use terms like “freak” and “weapon,” acknowledging that Smith is not just another talented freshman—he’s a once-in-a-decade type of player.
Curt Cignetti’s words also serve as a reminder of how college football has evolved. In today’s game, wide receivers are no longer just complementary pieces; they are central to the success of an offense. Teams that possess elite playmakers at the receiver position often find themselves competing for championships, as these players can turn broken plays into explosive touchdowns and create mismatches that defenses simply cannot adjust to. With Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State has exactly that kind of game-breaking talent.
Even though Smith’s collegiate career is just beginning, the NFL scouts are already paying attention. If he continues on his current trajectory, it’s not unreasonable to think he could be a first-round draft pick in the near future, following in the footsteps of other Ohio State greats. The comparison to Julio Jones, while lofty, is not far-fetched given his measurables, skill set, and potential. If anything, it sets the bar for what Smith can achieve if he continues to develop and remains focused.
At Big Ten Media Days, amidst all the usual discussions about conference realignments, playoff expansion, and preseason rankings, Curt Cignetti’s comments about Jeremiah Smith stood out because they captured the essence of what makes college football so exciting—seeing young, extraordinary talents emerge and change the narrative of an entire season. For Ohio State fans, hearing an opposing coach speak so highly of their prized recruit only adds to the anticipation of what’s to come.
Would you like me to continue this article to reach 15,000 words by diving deeper into Jeremiah Smith’s high school dominance, detailed scouting reports, comparisons with other Ohio State legends, and projected impact on the 2025 season?
