Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is no stranger to hype, and based on his recent performance, it’s easy to see why the national spotlight has been firmly fixed on the five-star phenom. ESPN’s latest feature on the Buckeyes’ spring practices couldn’t stop raving about Smith’s polish, maturity, and jaw-dropping athleticism, calling him “a rare freshman talent already operating like a veteran.” For Buckeye fans and college football analysts alike, it’s confirmation that the buzz surrounding Smith isn’t just offseason chatter—it’s very real.
A product of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, Smith entered Columbus as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country and the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class. While expectations for true freshmen are usually tempered, Smith has flipped that script with his electric play during spring ball. ESPN analysts described Smith as “the most consistent offensive weapon on the field” throughout the Buckeyes’ practices, a nod to not only his physical gifts but his mental preparation and understanding of the playbook.
From the moment he stepped onto campus, Smith embraced the pressure that comes with being a top recruit. Instead of shying away from comparisons to former Ohio State greats like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Garrett Wilson, Smith has leaned into the legacy, using it as motivation to craft his own path. And by all accounts, he’s doing just that. ESPN’s report highlighted a series of scrimmage plays where Smith made contested catches in traffic, burned defensive backs with elite speed, and demonstrated a nuanced route tree that rivals that of NFL-ready prospects.
What separates Smith from other talented freshmen, according to ESPN, is his professional mindset. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline praised Smith’s work ethic, saying, “He approaches every rep like it’s a game. You don’t usually see that from kids his age. He wants to be great, and he’s putting in the work to make that happen.” That sentiment was echoed by teammates who remarked on how quickly Smith earned their respect.
Quarterback Devin Brown, currently vying for the starting job, called Smith “the ultimate competitor,” noting that “Jeremiah doesn’t take plays off. Whether it’s a deep ball, a short slant, or a blocking assignment, he goes 100% every time.” That kind of all-around commitment has allowed Smith to become a focal point of the Buckeyes’ offense during practices and scrimmages, and ESPN’s coverage suggests that role could continue once the season begins.
The praise from ESPN is significant given the network’s reach and influence in the college football world. Smith being singled out among a deep and talented Ohio State roster says a lot about how quickly he has adapted to the collegiate level. It also signals that Ohio State’s wide receiver pipeline remains as strong as ever. With first-round picks like Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. preceding him, Smith appears poised to be the next elite receiver molded in Columbus.
But what makes Smith’s emergence even more intriguing is how it impacts the broader college football landscape. If he continues to dominate like he has in the spring, defensive coordinators across the Big Ten will be forced to game plan for a true freshman—a rarity in a conference known for veteran-laden defenses. And if Smith performs at a high level early in the season, it could catapult Ohio State’s offense to new heights, especially as the team transitions to a new starting quarterback.
Smith’s timing couldn’t be better. Ohio State is looking to reclaim its spot atop the Big Ten after falling short in recent seasons, and a breakout year from Smith could be a key piece in that puzzle. The Buckeyes already boast a strong offensive line, a deep running back room, and a defense with returning stars. Add a dynamic receiver like Smith to the mix, and Ohio State suddenly looks like a complete team capable of making a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff.
For fans who watched Smith dominate high school football in Florida, his spring performance comes as no surprise. He was known for his acrobatic catches, blazing speed, and ability to take over games. Those traits have translated seamlessly to the college level, which is why ESPN’s analysis isn’t just glowing—it’s downright bullish. The network went so far as to suggest that Smith could be a Freshman All-American and one of the top playmakers in the nation by season’s end.
Even more impressive is the chemistry he’s building with Ohio State’s quarterbacks. Whether it’s Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, or true freshman Air Noland, Smith has shown an uncanny ability to adjust to different styles and still find ways to make plays. His ability to gain separation, track the ball in the air, and win one-on-one battles is something that can’t be taught—it’s instinctive. That’s why scouts and analysts are already projecting Smith as a future first-round NFL Draft pick, despite him not having played a down of college football yet.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the hype, those around the program say Smith is grounded. He’s often the last one off the field after practice, putting in extra time on the JUGS machine or working with coaches to fine-tune his technique. That dedication has not gone unnoticed. Hartline noted that Smith “asks the right questions, watches film like a vet, and genuinely wants to learn. He’s coachable, which is probably the highest compliment I can give.”
Smith himself remains humble, telling reporters after the spring game that he’s “just trying to get better every day.” He credited his teammates for pushing him and said he’s learning something new with each rep. That kind of attitude, combined with his talent, is what makes him such a dangerous player for opponents and an invaluable asset for Ohio State.
As fall camp approaches, the buzz around Smith will only grow louder. ESPN’s coverage has validated what many inside the program already knew: Jeremiah Smith isn’t just a future star—he’s ready to contribute right now. And in a sport where every game matters, having a player like Smith who can change the course of a contest with a single play is a game-changer.
There’s still plenty of football to be played, and expectations can be both a blessing and a burden. But if Smith’s spring performance is any indication, he’s built to handle both. With ESPN now fully on board the Jeremiah Smith hype train, the rest of the country won’t be far behind. Ohio State has found its next great receiver, and his name is already making headlines for all the right reasons.
In a program defined by excellence at the wide receiver position, Jeremiah Smith is writing the next chapter—one spectacular catch at a time. The college football world is watching, and if ESPN’s latest take is anything to go by, they’re already impressed. Now it’s just a matter of time before Smith turns potential into production on the biggest stage of all.