COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jeremiah Smith continues to validate his status as the top recruit in the nation, making a significant impact on the Ohio State offense, regardless of whether he is the primary target. His presence on the field is felt on every play.
Julian Sayin, the premier quarterback prospect for 2024, is now delivering passes to an impressive group of receivers at Ohio State, which includes five-star talents like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. However, it is Smith who stands out, drawing unique attention from opposing defenses.
“We have our read and it”s like, “OK, you have to read this guy, but you never know, he might just go this way because Jeremiah is over there,”” Sayin told The Athletic. “He demands so much from a coverage standpoint that we”re surprised when we do get one-on-one with him.”
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Smith was the top player in the 2024 recruiting class and has consistently matched the high expectations placed upon him. He has scored 25 touchdowns in his first 25 games, making him the fastest player in Ohio State history to achieve this milestone. In his freshman year, he amassed 1,315 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and played a crucial role in the Buckeyes” national championship victory.
Despite being the focus of defenses, Smith ranks sixth nationally with 862 receiving yards and is tied for second with 10 touchdown receptions. His recent performance against Purdue included a career-high 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to impact the game beyond just targets.
Since joining college football, Smith has emerged as a dominant force, accumulating 2,177 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns over two seasons, leading the nation in both categories. He has successfully caught 141 passes with only three drops, averaging 15.4 yards per catch against various coverage schemes.
Smith”s size and speed make him a challenging matchup for defenders, whether facing man coverage or zone. Teams often avoid playing man against Ohio State due to his effectiveness, yet he has achieved 109 receiving yards, four touchdowns, and 10 catches on 16 targets against Cover 0 and Cover 1 defenses, as reported by Pro Football Focus.
Moreover, Smith has a strong understanding of zone coverage, often positioning himself in open areas where quarterbacks can easily find him. His contributions extend into the run-pass option game, where he makes crucial sideline catches. Recently, as the season progressed, the Ohio State coaching staff expanded the playbook, which has resulted in increased explosive plays.
For instance, his touchdown against Purdue came on a 35-yard throw from Sayin, exploiting a Tampa 2 defense. Even with an initial jam from a defender, Smith quickly gained separation, allowing Sayin to deliver a perfectly placed pass between the safeties.
In addition to his receiving abilities, Smith also influences the run game significantly. Despite only being targeted five times inside the 10-yard line this season, his mere presence forces defenses to account for him, creating advantageous scenarios for the offense. During one particular play, Smith attracted two defenders, allowing Ohio State to maximize their blocking against the remaining defenders.
Overall, Ohio State”s offense ranks among the most efficient in the country, sitting fourth nationally in average points per drive. The combination of Sayin”s impressive accuracy and Smith”s skill set is making a profound impact, solidifying Smith”s status as one of the best players in college football.
