In the world of college football, true freshmen rarely dominate from day one. But Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is no ordinary freshman. Just seven games into his collegiate career, the 18-year-old wide receiver is already being hailed as a “generational talent” by coaches who have witnessed his jaw-dropping abilities firsthand.
A Hometown Hero’s Rise to Stardom
Smith’s journey to Ohio State began in South Florida, where he starred at Chaminade-Madonna Prep. There, he led his team to three straight state championships, making plays that left even the most seasoned coaches in awe. Jack Daniels, a veteran coach of 35 years, called Smith “head and shoulders, by far, the best I’ve ever seen,” comparing his high school dominance to that of Baltimore Ravens MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Another coach, Jorge Zagales, could only liken Smith to one other player he had faced in three decades: the late Sean Taylor, a Pro Bowl safety who tragically passed away at age 24. Zagales believes Smith is destined for a Hall of Fame career, just as Taylor likely would have achieved.
Overcoming Adversity, Outworking the Competition
Smith’s meteoric rise was not without setbacks. As a youth, he was cut from his football team. But rather than give up, he came to practice every day to watch and work on his skills. The next year, he returned as a force to be reckoned with.
He still came to the park every day and watched us practice, playing catch with his dad the whole time. When he came back the next year, he was a different player.
– Davion Gause, North Carolina RB and childhood friend of Smith
Smith’s unrelenting work ethic carried over to Chaminade-Madonna, where he became the first player coach Dameon Jones had seen who was more committed and worked harder in practice. Even while battling a hip flexor injury as a junior, Smith refused to miss a single rep.
Making an Immediate Impact at Ohio State
That same drive has already made Smith a standout at Ohio State. In his first offseason, he became the program’s first freshman to earn “Iron Buckeye” honors for his elite performance in workouts. On the field, he leads the talented Buckeyes with 623 receiving yards and has caught a touchdown in every game, tying Cris Carter’s freshman record.
Smith’s penchant for spectacular plays has been his calling card. His one-handed touchdown grabs against Michigan State and Iowa showcased the skills he had honed since high school, when he would practice endlessly to recreate Odell Beckham Jr.’s famous catch.
Coaches and teammates alike have taken notice. Ohio State offensive coordinator and former NFL head coach Chip Kelly praised Smith’s physical talent, but emphasized his incredible maturity for an 18-year-old:
His physical skills (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) are kind of incomparable for someone at that age, but it’s his maturity level that has set him apart. … how he approaches meetings, how he approaches practices, it’s rare.
– Chip Kelly, Ohio State offensive coordinator
The Best Is Yet to Come for Smith
With his collegiate career just beginning, the sky appears to be the limit for Jeremiah Smith. Despite Ohio State’s rich history of producing NFL-caliber receivers, Smith’s former teammates believe he could ultimately surpass them all:
He could play one year of college and be ready for the league. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a receiver that young like him.
– Jaxon Smith-Njigba, former Ohio State WR and first-round NFL draft pick
As Smith continues to refine his immense natural gifts with his relentless work ethic and mature approach, he has the potential to rewrite the record books at both the collegiate and professional levels. For now, college football fans can simply marvel at the rare talent they are witnessing every time #1 takes the field for the Buckeyes. Jeremiah Smith isn’t just the next great Ohio State receiver; he may very well be the future face of the sport.
