Over the weekend at St. Thomas Aquinas High during the OT7 Playoffs, there were plenty of familiar faces with impressive resumes. Making appearances were Shedeur Sanders, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Geno Smith—a mix of a rising NFL Draft pick, a former NFL MVP, a Heisman Trophy winner, and the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. Yet, amidst this constellation of football stars, one name shone brilliantly: Jeremiah Smith.
This young dynamo, a 19-year-old receiver for Ohio State, is already making waves. As if stepping off the cover of the soon-to-be-released EA Sports College Football 26 video game wasn’t enough, Jeremiah entered the scene getting out of a sleek, rented black Lamborghini. Fans flocked to him, eagerly grabbing selfies, captivated by the chance to meet someone with a virtual 99 rating—a nod to his game-changing prowess on and off the field.
Hailing from South Florida, Smith is no stranger to the limelight. A national champion and an All-American, he quickly rose to fame during his time at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Preparatory School, earning the title of the nation’s top high school recruit. “This is all a blessing,” Smith shares, reflecting on the whirlwind of his journey. “Last season was unbelievable. I just contributed to winning a national championship. It’s surreal, and I’m just trying to savor every moment without losing focus.”
His collegiate career has taken off in a spectacular fashion. As a rising sophomore, he’s among the frontrunners for the 2026 Heisman Trophy, trailing only Texas quarterback Arch Manning and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. Smith’s first-year stats boasted 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns across 16 games, earning him MVP honors at the Rose Bowl. His father, Chris Smith, admittedly surprised by his son’s remarkable start, originally expected him to simply find his feet in college. Instead, Jeremiah has taken control in a way few freshmen have.
For the Smith family, the accolades come with a sense of grounded pride. Despite the buzz surrounding his status as potentially the best player in college football, Chris Smith keeps his son focused. “It’s surreal, but we try to stay grounded,” he advises. “Football doesn’t end with one good season. Consistency is key, and that’s something we strive towards.”
Of course, with talent comes opportunity. Jeremiah Smith is not just catching passes, but business deals too. While attending the OT7 Playoffs, he mingled with brand representatives. Despite overtures from Nike, he recently signed with Adidas, expressing a personal connection to the brand from his youth. Countless other companies have sought him out, thanks in part to his father’s guidance in managing these budding partnerships with major names like American Eagle, Battle Sports, and Red Bull.
Navigating pundit expectations, business engagements, and the demands of collegiate athletics is no small feat. Smith candidly admits the biggest challenge was mastering the complex playbook Ohio State threw at him. However, as the year progressed, his ability to adapt shone through, contributing to a historic championship run for the Buckeyes—an effort slightly marred by a tough loss to Michigan.
Despite that stinging defeat, Smith is setting his sights on a two-year streak of never losing to their northern rivals again. Ohio State’s upcoming season opener against Texas in Columbus is less of a challenge for Smith’s promise to dominate.
As Ohio State gears up for another run at the national championship, with significant roster turnovers like quarterback Will Howard leaving for the NFL, Smith is stepping into a leadership position. Encouraging his new quarterback, Julian Sayin, Smith is enthusiastic about the potential for another magical season in Columbus. “That arm is different,” Smith said, expressing confidence in Sayin’s skillset.
Jeremiah’s journey is not just about college football glory. Despite the enticement of NFL dreams, he cherishes his college years, balancing his responsibilities as a student-athlete, even investing wisely the earnings from his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals while living in his own apartment.
With family support making it to every game and a team-centric focus, Smith remains steadfast in his objectives. Though the idea of winning individual honors like the Heisman is appealing, his priorities are clear: “I’m just trying to win another natty—that’s what I’m focused on. The individual accolades, they’ll follow that.”
