At Ohio State University, the “black stripe tradition” stands as a rite of passage, marking a player’s readiness to become a full-fledged member of the team. For most newcomers, it takes weeks, if not months, to shed this symbolic stripe from their helmet. But freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith tore it off in just four practices, setting a school record in the process. Such a feat set the stage for Smith, the top recruit of the 2024 high school football class, to be seen as a standout talent for the Buckeyes—and he’s delivered on those early expectations in spades.
In his debut season, Smith has quickly ascended into the ranks of college football elites. He’s shattered Ohio State freshman records for catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns, overtaking none other than Buckeye legend Cris Carter. Recognized as both the Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Smith’s list of accolades is already substantial for a mere 19-year-old. Yet, the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award slipped through his fingers, finding its way instead to Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons.
Simmons is indeed a phenomenal player, having amassed nine sacks and three forced fumbles, playing a pivotal role in making the Texas defense one of the nation’s fiercest. But when stacking up against Smith’s monumental impact, it becomes clear that Smith’s season is something extraordinary. With 14 touchdowns, Smith holds the Big Ten record for receiving scores by a freshman and stands just 34 yards shy of breaking the freshman receiving yards record in his upcoming game. Simmons, while noteworthy, is not on track to break the SEC freshman sack record, nor his own school’s freshman benchmark.
It was on the grand stage of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals that Smith added another chapter to his storied season. As the Buckeyes met the Oregon Ducks, Smith showcased why he’s considered one of the brightest stars on the field. In Ohio State’s commanding 41-21 win, Smith’s tally read like a dream—seven receptions, 192 total yards, and two touchdowns, earning him the Offensive MVP title of the Rose Bowl. His 187 receiving yards not only marked a career high but also eclipsed the school’s record for rookie receiving yardage in a game.
From the outset, Oregon’s defense was at Smith’s mercy. His first touch yielded a 45-yard touchdown, soon followed by a 43-yard score in the second quarter—a performance that riveted spectators, evoking memories of past Buckeyes greats like Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
With the verdict of the Shaun Alexander Award lingering, Smith now prepares to lead his team against the Texas Longhorns in the Semifinal in Arlington. This matchup serves not only as a chance for Ohio State to advance to the National Championship Game but also provides Smith with the opportunity to further underline the voters’ oversight. If his performance at the Rose Bowl is any indicator, the debate over the Freshman of the Year Award is far from over, and Smith is poised to make his case louder than ever.
