**Former Oregon Star Goes After Ohio State Football Team, Jeremiah Smith**
The world of college football is no stranger to heated rivalries, intense competition, and bold statements from players—both past and present. The latest firestorm comes from a former Oregon Ducks star who has taken aim at the Ohio State Buckeyes football program and their prized recruit, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The comments have ignited debates across the college football landscape, with fans, analysts, and players weighing in on the controversy.
The former Oregon player, whose identity has sparked speculation, reportedly made scathing remarks about Ohio State’s recent performances, their recruiting strategies, and specifically targeted Jeremiah Smith—one of the most highly touted freshmen in the nation. Smith, a five-star recruit and the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2024 class, has been viewed as a game-changing talent for the Buckeyes, drawing comparisons to past Ohio State greats like Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.
The ex-Duck’s criticism centered on Ohio State’s perceived inability to win “the big game” in recent years, despite consistently pulling in elite recruiting classes. He also questioned whether Smith would live up to the hype, suggesting that the Buckeyes’ system might not be the best fit for his development.
Unsurprisingly, Buckeye Nation was quick to defend their program. Current and former Ohio State players, as well as fans, took to social media to clap back at the criticism. Some pointed out Oregon’s own shortcomings in high-stakes matchups, particularly their losses to Ohio State in pivotal games over the years. Others highlighted the Buckeyes’ track record of producing NFL-ready receivers, arguing that Smith is in the perfect environment to thrive.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has built a reputation for developing elite offensive talent, and the program’s recent history supports that claim. With multiple first-round draft picks at wide receiver in the past few years, the Buckeyes have solidified themselves as “WR U.” Jeremiah Smith’s decision to commit to Ohio State was largely influenced by this legacy, making the former Oregon star’s critique all the more puzzling.
Jeremiah Smith arrives in Columbus with sky-high expectations. As a high school phenom, he dominated competition in Florida, showcasing rare route-running ability, elite speed, and strong hands. His combination of size (6’3”, 200 lbs) and athleticism makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
However, transitioning to college football is never a guarantee of success, even for the most highly regarded recruits. The former Oregon player’s skepticism may stem from seeing other “can’t-miss” prospects struggle under the bright lights of major college football. Yet, Smith’s early performances in spring practices and scrimmages have reportedly been impressive, with teammates and coaches praising his work ethic and natural talent.
If Smith lives up to the hype, he could be an immediate contributor for the Buckeyes, potentially forming a lethal duo with returning star Emeka Egbuka. Ohio State’s offense, led by a new starting quarterback (likely Kansas State transfer Will Howard or freshman Air Noland), will rely heavily on its playmakers, and Smith has the tools to be a difference-maker from Day 1.
The tension between Oregon and Ohio State isn’t new. The two programs have clashed in several high-profile matchups over the years, including the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship (a 42-20 Ohio State victory) and a thrilling 2021 regular-season showdown (a 35-28 Buckeyes win). These games have fueled a competitive rivalry, particularly as both schools compete for top recruits and national relevance.
The former Duck’s comments may also reflect lingering frustration from Oregon’s inability to get over the hump against Ohio State in critical moments. While the Ducks have had their share of success under coaches like Chip Kelly and Mario Cristobal, they’ve often fallen just short against the Buckeyes when the stakes are highest.
While the former Oregon player’s remarks were undoubtedly provocative, do they hold any weight? Let’s examine:
1. **Ohio State’s Big-Game Struggles** – There’s no denying that the Buckeyes have fallen short in key games recently, particularly against Michigan. Three straight losses to their archrival have raised questions about Ryan Day’s ability to win the most important matchups. However, Ohio State remains a perennial playoff contender, and their roster is stacked with NFL talent.
2. **Receiver Development** – Ohio State’s track record with wide receivers is nearly unmatched. From Michael Thomas to Terry McLaurin to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Buckeyes consistently produce stars at the position. Doubting their ability to develop Jeremiah Smith seems misguided.
3. **Jeremiah Smith’s Ceiling** – While no recruit is a sure thing, Smith’s skill set suggests he’s as close to a “can’t-miss” prospect as they come. His physical tools and football IQ give him a high floor, and if he continues to develop, he could be a future first-round pick.
This war of words highlights the intense scrutiny that comes with being an elite college football program. Every comment, every loss, and every recruit is magnified. For Ohio State, the pressure is always on to compete for championships, and any perceived weakness is quickly exploited by rivals.
For Jeremiah Smith, the criticism could serve as motivation. Many great players have used doubters as fuel, and if Smith embraces the challenge, he could silence his detractors quickly. The Buckeyes’ season opener against Akron will be his first opportunity to showcase his talents on a big stage.
The former Oregon star’s shots at Ohio State and Jeremiah Smith have added another layer of intrigue to the upcoming college football season. While the comments were bold, they’ve also set the stage for an even more compelling narrative: Can Ohio State prove their critics wrong? Can Jeremiah Smith live up to the hype?
One thing is certain—the Buckeyes won’t back down from the challenge. With a roster loaded with talent and a coaching staff determined to reclaim their spot atop college football, Ohio State will have plenty of opportunities to silence the noise. And if Jeremiah Smith becomes the star many believe he will be, this offseason drama will be nothing more than a footnote in what could be a legendary career.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Columbus. The critics are talking—now it’s time for Ohio State to answer on the field.
