You’ve probably seen the highlights by now. That one-handed grab against Michigan or the way he basically glides past double coverage like it’s a high school track meet. Honestly, if you follow college football even casually, you know the name Jeremiah Smith. But who is he, really? Most people just see the jersey number 4 and a future NFL first-round pick, but the story of how a kid from Miami Gardens ended up rewriting the record books in Columbus is actually pretty wild.
He isn't just another highly-rated recruit. He is arguably the most polished wide receiver to ever step onto a college campus.
The Miami Roots and a Decision That Shook the Big Ten
Jeremiah Smith grew up in the football hotbed of South Florida. Specifically, he’s from Miami Gardens and starred at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood. We’re talking about a kid who was the consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the country for the 2024 class. Think about that. Not just the best receiver—the best player.
The recruiting battle for him was basically a soap opera. Being a local legend, the Miami Hurricanes wanted him badly. Mario Cristobal and his staff pushed until the very last second. Smith even admitted later that he "most likely" would have ended up at Miami if the program had been on a different trajectory at the time. But he chose Ohio State. He wanted to be part of "Zone 6," the legendary receiver room coached by Brian Hartline that produced guys like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Garrett Wilson.
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He signed his letter of intent in December 2023, and since then, he hasn't looked back.
Why the 2024 Season Changed Everything
A lot of true freshmen struggle with the speed of the game. Jeremiah Smith did the opposite. In his debut against Akron, he caught six passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't just play; he dominated from the jump.
By the time the 2024 season wrapped up, he had shattered almost every freshman record at Ohio State. We’re talking 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns. That wasn't just good for a freshman—it was one of the best seasons for any receiver in the country. He capped it off with a national championship win, making him an instant legend in Buckeye Nation.
Breaking Down the "Freak of Nature" Skill Set
So, what makes him different? Honestly, it’s the combination. At 6-foot-3 and around 215 pounds, he has the frame of a veteran pro. But it’s the technical stuff that's scary.
- Route Running: He isn't just fast. He’s precise. He can sink his hips and change direction in a way that guys his size usually can’t.
- Ball Tracking: If the ball is in the air, it’s basically his. His ability to locate the football over his shoulder is what scouts call "elite."
- Track Speed: Don't forget, he was a state champion in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles. That translates to a weird kind of "game speed" where he just pulls away from defenders in the open field.
Dealing With the 2025 Rumors and "Not Going Nowhere"
Success brings noise. After a stellar freshman year and some coaching changes—specifically Brian Hartline taking the head coaching job at South Florida—the transfer portal rumors started flying. People thought maybe he’d finally head back home to Miami.
On January 6, 2026, he shut it all down with a three-word tweet: "Not going nowhere."
It was a massive relief for Ohio State fans. Especially since other stars like Carnell Tate were heading to the NFL. Now, as we look toward the 2026 season, Smith is the undisputed cornerstone of the offense.
The Stats That Matter (As of Early 2026)
If you're into the numbers, his career totals through two seasons are basically a video game. He has 148 receptions for 2,257 yards and 26 touchdowns. He’s the fastest player in Ohio State history to hit those milestones.
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In 2025 alone, despite being double-teamed nearly every play, he put up 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 scores. He was a Biletnikoff Award finalist and a Unanimous All-American. He’s also making bank off the field, with massive NIL deals from brands like Red Bull and Adidas. He was even the first college football player to sign with Red Bull.
What’s Next for Jeremiah Smith?
The trajectory is pretty clear. He’s entering his junior year in 2026, which most experts assume will be his last before the NFL Draft. He’s already being projected as a top-five pick, with some saying he could be the first receiver off the board.
But for now, he’s focused on one more run in Columbus. With a new-look receiving room and Julian Sayin likely slinging him the rock, the records might not be safe for long.
If you want to keep up with his progress, you should definitely watch the Buckeyes' spring game or follow his social media for those workout clips that usually go viral. The kid is a worker. His high school coach, Damien Jones, always said what makes him special isn't just the talent—it's that he's humble and constantly trying to improve. That’s a dangerous combination for Big Ten defensive backs.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Keep an eye on the 2026 Preseason All-American lists dropping this August; Smith is a lock for First Team.
- Watch for his increased role in the return game or as a primary recruiter for the next wave of Five-Star talent like Chris Henry Jr.
- Monitor NFL Draft big boards for 2027, where Smith is already positioned as a generational prospect.