Ohio State Makes Texas 4-Star WR’s Short List Amid Notre Dame, Miami Push: The Battle for a Top Recruit

As the 2025 college football recruiting cycle heats up, Ohio State has positioned itself as one of the top contenders for one of the most sought-after wide receiver prospects in the country. Jaxon Smith, a 4-star wide receiver from Dallas, Texas, has become one of the hottest names in recruiting, and Ohio State has made the cut for his short list of schools, alongside Notre Dame and Miami. With an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Smith is one of the most coveted recruits of this cycle, and his decision is expected to have a significant impact on the program he ultimately chooses.

As the recruitment process intensifies, Smith finds himself at a crossroads, with three elite programs vying for his signature. Each of these schools offers its own unique set of advantages—whether it’s Ohio State’s high-powered offense and history of producing top-tier NFL wide receivers, Notre Dame’s academic reputation and storied football tradition, or Miami’s emerging status as a rising powerhouse in college football. The decision is a difficult one for Smith, but for Ohio State, being in the final conversation with such programs represents a victory in itself.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the recruiting battle for Jaxon Smith, exploring the factors that have led to Ohio State’s inclusion on his short list, how the Buckeyes’ program fits into his aspirations, and the significance of his recruitment in the broader context of the college football landscape.

Jaxon Smith: A Rising Star in Texas

Jaxon Smith has emerged as one of the premier wide receiver prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, drawing attention from programs across the country. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing around 205 pounds, Smith combines impressive size with exceptional speed and agility, making him a matchup nightmare for defenders. His ability to track the ball, make contested catches, and break away from defenders after the catch has drawn rave reviews from scouts and college coaches alike.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Smith has had an outstanding high school career at Lake Highlands High School, where he has accumulated impressive stats and demonstrated an ability to dominate against top-tier competition. His junior season alone saw him rack up over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, displaying his knack for making big plays. Smith’s ability to excel in both the short and deep passing games, combined with his strong route-running skills, has placed him at the top of many recruiting boards.

As one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation, Smith has received offers from nearly every major program in the country. His skills as a playmaker have made him a highly sought-after recruit, and it’s clear that whichever program he chooses will be getting a player who has the potential to contribute immediately at the college level.

Ohio State’s Appeal: A History of Wide Receiver Success

For Ohio State, landing a player of Jaxon Smith’s caliber would be a huge boost to their already elite recruiting class. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top programs in college football, and their history of producing standout wide receivers is a major selling point for any top recruit at the position. From Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson to Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State has a track record of developing wide receivers who not only succeed in college but also make an immediate impact in the NFL.

The program’s high-powered offense, led by Ryan Day, has been a major factor in its success on the recruiting trail. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has become a factory for elite offensive talent, and the chance to play in an offense that consistently ranks among the best in the country is a major draw for Smith. The Buckeyes have a history of producing top-tier quarterbacks, and pairing a wide receiver of Smith’s skill with a talented quarterback would only elevate his game.

In addition to the offensive scheme, Ohio State’s tradition of excellence and championship aspirations make it an attractive destination for top recruits. The Buckeyes have been in contention for the College Football Playoff year after year, and their constant presence on the national stage gives players the opportunity to compete for championships. For a player like Smith, who has aspirations of playing at the next level, the opportunity to showcase his talents on a national stage is a key factor in his decision.

Moreover, Ohio State’s commitment to player development is another reason the Buckeyes have earned a spot on Smith’s short list. The coaching staff at Ohio State has a proven track record of developing wide receivers into future NFL stars, and that focus on player growth and training has undoubtedly caught Smith’s attention.

Notre Dame: A Program of Tradition and Academic Prestige

Alongside Ohio State, Notre Dame has positioned itself as one of the top contenders for Jaxon Smith’s commitment. The Fighting Irish have long been one of the most prestigious programs in college football, combining a rich history of success with a reputation for academic excellence. While Notre Dame may not have the same high-powered offensive system as Ohio State, the program’s overall appeal and strong culture make it a compelling choice for Smith.

Notre Dame’s appeal lies not only in its football success but also in its academic reputation. For players like Smith, who are not only interested in succeeding on the field but also value education, Notre Dame’s academic offerings are a significant selling point. The university is renowned for its rigorous academics and alumni network, which can provide long-term benefits beyond football. For Smith, the opportunity to attend a school with both football success and academic prestige is certainly an attractive factor.

On the football field, Notre Dame has consistently been competitive, and under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have shown signs of progress in terms of recruiting and on-field performance. Freeman has reinvigorated the program with his youthful energy and ability to connect with players, and his offensive scheme, while not as pass-heavy as Ohio State’s, has shown a willingness to adapt and evolve.

Additionally, the chance to play for a program that has contended for the College Football Playoff and won multiple national championships throughout its storied history is certainly appealing. Notre Dame’s fan base is passionate, and the program’s prominence on the national stage offers players like Smith the chance to compete for championships and potentially boost their NFL prospects.

Miami: A Resurgent Powerhouse

The third school on Jaxon Smith’s short list is Miami, a program that has experienced a resurgence in recent years. The Hurricanes, once a dominant force in college football, have been on the rise under head coach Mario Cristobal. Miami’s appeal to Smith lies in the opportunity to be part of the program’s revival and contribute to the team’s return to national prominence.

Cristobal, who took over as head coach in 2022, has been focused on rebuilding the Hurricanes into a championship-caliber program, and recruiting is a central part of that effort. Miami’s proximity to a hotbed of high school talent in Florida also provides the Hurricanes with a distinct advantage when it comes to landing top recruits. For Smith, the chance to stay close to home and represent a program that is on the rise is an exciting prospect.

While Miami doesn’t have the same longstanding tradition of success as Ohio State or Notre Dame, the program’s recent improvements and competitive nature in the ACC make it an intriguing option. The Hurricanes have shown that they can compete with the best, and for a player like Smith, the opportunity to play a key role in bringing Miami back to the national stage could be a deciding factor.

What’s Next for Jaxon Smith?

As Jaxon Smith approaches his decision, he faces a difficult choice between three elite programs: Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Miami. Each of these schools offers something unique, and Smith’s decision will ultimately come down to a combination of factors, including the team’s style of play, the coaching staff’s vision, the development opportunities available, and the overall fit for him both on and off the field.

For Ohio State, the chance to land a recruit of Smith’s caliber would be a massive win, reinforcing their status as one of the premier programs in college football. As the Buckeyes continue to dominate on the recruiting trail, adding a player like Smith would only solidify their position as a powerhouse for years to come.

Ultimately, no matter where Smith chooses to go, his decision will be one that shapes the future of the college football landscape. Whether he joins Ohio State, Notre Dame, or Miami, Jaxon Smith has the potential to make an immediate impact and help elevate his program to new heights.

The recruiting process for Jaxon Smith is far from over, but one thing is certain: Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Miami are all in a strong position to land one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation. The battle for his commitment will continue to captivate college football fans, and his eventual decision will have major implications for whichever program he chooses.