Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is making waves and turning heads. This kid is special, and he’s proving it every time he steps onto the field. Remember when he had his black stripe removed after just four practices? That’s unheard of! It was a sign of things to come from the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 high school class.
Smith has been rewriting the record books in his first season with the Buckeyes. He shattered Ohio State’s records for catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a freshman – records previously held by the legendary Cris Carter. He’s earned Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, and at just 19 years old, his trophy case is already overflowing. But there’s one award that’s conspicuously absent: the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award.
Now, the award went to Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, and don’t get me wrong, Simmons is a beast. He’s racked up nine sacks and three forced fumbles this season, playing a key role in transforming the Longhorns defense into one of the nation’s best. But… he’s not Jeremiah Smith.
Smith’s 14 receiving touchdowns set a Big Ten record for a freshman, and he’s on the verge of breaking the conference’s freshman receiving yards record. Simmons, while impressive, isn’t likely to break the SEC freshman sack record, let alone his own school’s freshman sack record.
This all came to a head in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals. Ohio State faced off against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, and Smith put on a show. He was named Offensive MVP after hauling in 7 catches for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 187 receiving yards set a new school record for a freshman in a game.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that Oregon had no answer for Smith. His first touch was a 45-yard touchdown, and he followed that up with a 43-yard score in the second quarter. It was like watching a replay of Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s legendary Rose Bowl performance a few years back.
Ironically, Smith will get another chance to prove his doubters wrong when the Buckeyes face off against Texas in the Semifinal round. You can bet he’ll have that Freshman Player of the Year snub on his mind as he tries to lead his team to the National Championship Game. If his Rose Bowl performance was any indication, those voters might be having some second thoughts right about now.
