In a celebration of legacy, excellence, and the unwavering spirit of Buckeye football, Ohio State University has announced the unveiling of a statue honoring five-star wide receiver and former Ohio State standout Jeremiah Smith. Scheduled for this fall in Columbus, Ohio, the event will cement Smith’s place among the greatest to ever don the Scarlet and Gray. As fans and alumni from across the country prepare to descend upon campus, one thing is clear: Jeremiah Smith is more than a former player — he is a symbol of the Buckeyes’ tradition of greatness.
A Moment Years in the Making
The unveiling ceremony is slated to coincide with Ohio State’s first home Big Ten game of the 2025 season, ensuring a packed crowd at The Horseshoe. Positioned near Buckeye Grove, where Heisman winners are traditionally honored, the statue will occupy a place of prominence, standing as a testament to not just Smith’s individual accolades, but his enduring impact on the program.
University President Kristina M. Johnson shared the significance of the moment in a recent press release:
“Jeremiah Smith is an icon, not just for his athleticism, but for his leadership, resilience, and representation of Ohio State values. We’re proud to honor him with a permanent fixture that will inspire generations.”
From Chaminade-Madonna to College Greatness
Smith first rose to national attention as a prep superstar at Chaminade-Madonna High School in South Florida, where he was ranked the No. 1 wide receiver in the country and a consensus top-three overall recruit. His blend of size (6’3″), speed (4.4 40-yard dash), and route-running precision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Despite late pushes from Miami, Florida, and Georgia, Smith honored his commitment to Ohio State, signing during the 2023 cycle under then-head coach Ryan Day. From the moment he arrived in Columbus, it was clear that Smith was different.
In his freshman season (2023), Smith recorded 72 catches for 1,054 yards and 9 touchdowns, setting a freshman record for receptions. But his breakout truly came during the 2024 season, when he earned first-team All-American honors, catching 96 passes for 1,372 yards and 15 touchdowns, helping Ohio State reach the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
By the time he declared for the NFL Draft, Smith had amassed over 3,000 career receiving yards and was Ohio State’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions — surpassing names like David Boston, Michael Thomas, and Garrett Wilson.
NFL Stardom and Philanthropy
Selected 8th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Smith made an immediate impact in the league, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and solidifying himself as one of the brightest young stars in professional football. Despite his meteoric rise, Smith never forgot where he came from — or the university that helped shape his path.
In 2029, he launched the “Smith Scholars Foundation”, which has since funded full academic scholarships for over 50 underprivileged students to attend college, including several at Ohio State. His deep ties to the Columbus community and his alma mater remained strong, leading to collaborative work with the university on various initiatives, including mental health awareness, NIL education, and youth sports development.
Athletic Director Gene Smith, who played a key role in Smith’s recruitment, remarked:
“Jeremiah didn’t just leave his mark on the field — he changed lives off it. This statue isn’t just for his catches or touchdowns. It’s for his heart, his leadership, and his commitment to lifting others.”
Immortalization in Bronze
The statue, sculpted by renowned artist Olan Montgomery, captures Smith in mid-stride, arms outstretched as he hauls in a deep pass — a nod to his signature play style. Cast in bronze and mounted on a granite pedestal, the base will include Smith’s career stats, All-American designations, and a quote etched from his famous 2024 Rose Bowl postgame interview:
“If I leave this field and didn’t inspire someone to believe in themselves, then the stats don’t matter. I’m here to be more than just a football player.”
In addition to the statue, the university will debut a mini-documentary, “The Smith Legacy,” chronicling his journey from South Florida to Ohio State to the NFL. It will be played during halftime of the unveiling game and later streamed via the Big Ten Network and OSU’s official YouTube channel.
Buckeye Brotherhood Responds
Reactions from past and present Buckeyes have poured in.
C.J. Stroud, the former OSU quarterback now with the Houston Texans, said via Instagram:
“Jeremiah was different. I saw it in his eyes the first time we threw routes. He was built for greatness.”
Marvin Harrison Jr., another legendary Buckeye receiver and current NFL All-Pro, posted:
“One of the best to ever do it. Congrats, Jeremiah. Proud of you, my brother.”
Current wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, often credited with developing the Buckeyes’ long line of elite wideouts, had high praise:
“Jeremiah took our WR legacy and pushed it even higher. He made everyone around him better — from walk-ons to staff. What we built during his time was special.”
A Symbol of the Future
The statue of Jeremiah Smith won’t just commemorate the past — it will also serve as a recruiting tool and a symbol of the Buckeyes’ pipeline of excellence at the wide receiver position. Ohio State continues to lead the nation in attracting top WR talent, and Smith’s legacy is a core part of that.
In fact, current 2026 WR commit Tyrone “TJ” Jeffers, the No. 2 wideout in his class, said in a recent interview:
“Seeing what Jeremiah did, and now the statue? That’s what greatness looks like. I want to leave a legacy like that.”
OSU head coach Jerod Mayo, who took the reins following Ryan Day’s departure in 2027, echoed that sentiment:
“We tell every player who comes through our doors — greatness doesn’t end when you graduate. Jeremiah’s example proves that Buckeye for life isn’t just a slogan.”
Community Events and Festivities
Leading up to the unveiling, the university has planned a full week of events:
- Tuesday: Youth Football Camp hosted at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, led by current players and alumni.
- Wednesday: Panel on “Athletes & Activism” featuring Jeremiah Smith, Malcolm Jenkins, and Cardale Jones.
- Friday Night: Alumni Gala at the Ohio Union, with proceeds benefiting the Smith Scholars Foundation.
- Saturday (Game Day): Unveiling Ceremony, March from Mirror Lake to Ohio Stadium, and pregame tribute inside The Horseshoe.
Fans will also have the chance to purchase limited-edition Jeremiah Smith commemorative merchandise, including jerseys, signed photos, and bronze statue miniatures.
The Bigger Picture
In a time when college athletics are rapidly changing due to NIL, transfer portal shifts, and playoff expansion, Jeremiah Smith represents something timeless: loyalty, integrity, and elite performance. His journey reminds the Buckeye faithful of the values that built the program — and why Ohio State remains a national powerhouse.
While many players come and go, few leave a legacy worthy of permanent tribute. Smith did it through years of dedication, highlight-reel moments, and a deep connection to the Buckeye brotherhood.
His statue will stand tall for generations to come, a beacon for future Buckeyes and a point of pride for all who bleed Scarlet and Gray.
As the bronze figure of Jeremiah Smith rises on Ohio State’s historic campus, fans will look up and remember the young man who electrified Saturdays, stood tall in the face of adversity, and gave back more than he ever took. From South Florida to the NFL — and forever in Columbus — Jeremiah Smith is, and always will be, a Buckeye legend.
