Ohio State Buckeyes May Have Already Found Their Next Jeremiah Smith

The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to producing elite talent in college football, and when it comes to the wide receiver position, they have been a factory of sorts, turning out some of the top pass-catchers in the nation. From legends like Cris Carter and David Boston to more recent stars like Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas, and Chris Olave, Ohio State has a well-earned reputation for developing NFL-caliber wide receivers. However, as much as the program has churned out talent in recent years, there’s a growing sense that they may have found their next superstar in waiting — a player capable of continuing the tradition of excellence at the wide receiver position.

That player? Jeremiah Smith. Before you jump to conclusions, let’s take a deep dive into what makes Smith stand out and why there’s a reason to believe that he could be the next big thing in Columbus. But here’s the kicker: Ohio State may have already found a new candidate who could fill the shoes of Jeremiah Smith before he even steps on campus.

The Legacy of Jeremiah Smith

To understand the significance of what Ohio State is building at the wide receiver position, it’s important to first acknowledge the legacy of Jeremiah Smith. The 2024 wide receiver recruit from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, Florida, is widely considered one of the top prospects in his class. Standing 6’3″ and weighing in at around 200 pounds, Smith is a prototypical wide receiver with elite size, speed, and physicality.

Smith is one of those players whose presence immediately changes the complexion of a game. His blend of route running, hands, and athleticism has scouts and coaches alike drooling over his potential. But what sets him apart is his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Smith has the kind of big-play ability that makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. With his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss, combined with his deep-threat capabilities, he’s a matchup nightmare for any defense.

While his physical attributes are undeniably impressive, what truly elevates Smith to another level is his mentality and work ethic. He is a dedicated player who strives for perfection in his craft. Whether it’s his attention to detail in studying defensive backs or his commitment to improving his technique, Jeremiah Smith is the complete package. It’s no wonder that his commitment to Ohio State has fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential to be the next big thing in Columbus.

Ohio State’s History of Wide Receiver Development

Ohio State’s success at the wide receiver position is well-documented. The Buckeyes have consistently been a hub for top-tier talent, and they have developed several players who have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the NFL. Just take a look at some of the top receivers who have come through Columbus:

1. Michael Thomas – Perhaps one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL, Thomas has been one of the league’s most dominant forces when healthy. His precise route running and ability to dominate in short-to-intermediate routes set him apart at Ohio State, and he’s carried that success into the professional ranks.

2. Chris Olave – Olave’s speed, agility, and ability to make plays in the open field made him one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. His combination of physicality and finesse on the field made him a star for the Buckeyes, and he has translated those skills to a promising career with the New Orleans Saints.

3. Garrett Wilson – A dynamic and explosive player, Wilson was one of the top receivers in the 2022 draft class. His elite footwork, speed, and ability to win contested catches set him apart, and he quickly became one of the NFL’s rising stars with the New York Jets.

4. Terry McLaurin – McLaurin’s work ethic and versatility allowed him to quickly establish himself as one of the NFL’s top wideouts, despite not having the same national attention that some of his peers received during his time at Ohio State. His ability to stretch the field and make key catches has been invaluable to the Washington Commanders.

The Buckeyes have a proven track record when it comes to developing top-tier talent at the wide receiver position. In fact, Ohio State has developed more first-round draft picks at wide receiver over the last two decades than almost any other school in the country. This reputation is a big reason why Ohio State is consistently able to attract some of the nation’s top high school talent.

The Search for the Next Big Thing

With the likes of Olave, Wilson, Thomas, and McLaurin making waves in the NFL, the Buckeyes have set the bar high for their future wide receivers. So, who’s next in line to carry the torch? While it may seem premature to suggest that anyone can replicate the success of these elite players, there are already signs that Ohio State has the next big star waiting in the wings.

Enter Carnell Tate.

Tate, a 2023 wide receiver recruit from Chicago, has already begun to showcase his immense potential at Ohio State. Standing at 6’2″ and possessing blazing speed, Tate brings a dynamic skill set to the Buckeyes’ wide receiver room. His ability to break free from defenders with sharp route-running and quickness is reminiscent of some of the greats to have played in Columbus. He may not have the name recognition that some of the other wide receiver prospects have, but make no mistake — Tate has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

Why Carnell Tate Could Be the “Next Jeremiah Smith”

While it’s clear that Ohio State fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate has all the tools to be the program’s next great wide receiver — one who can rise to the occasion and help elevate the Buckeyes to new heights. Let’s break down why he could very well fill the void left by Smith or any other future star.

1. Elite Physical Attributes: Like Jeremiah Smith, Tate has the prototypical size and athleticism to excel at the college level and beyond. At 6’2″, he’s tall enough to win contested catches but also possesses the speed to separate from defenders down the field. His body control and agility in tight spaces make him a legitimate threat in both the deep and short passing games.

2. Maturity and Work Ethic: Ohio State has a rich history of attracting players who are not only talented but also driven to succeed. Tate’s commitment to refining his craft, learning the nuances of the game, and developing a work ethic similar to that of past Ohio State stars is evident. He has already shown flashes of greatness on the field, and his maturity off the field gives him an edge in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.

3. Development Under Ohio State’s Coaching Staff: One of the reasons Ohio State has had so much success at the wide receiver position is their ability to develop players once they arrive on campus. With wide receiver coach Brian Hartline — himself a former Buckeye and NFL player — at the helm, Tate will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. Hartline has helped transform several Ohio State receivers into elite prospects, and Tate will no doubt benefit from his guidance.

4. A Natural Fit in Ohio State’s Offensive System: Ohio State’s offense is designed to create explosive plays and get their playmakers in space, making it an ideal system for a receiver like Tate. Whether it’s on quick slants, deep routes, or crossing patterns, Tate’s skill set aligns perfectly with Ohio State’s style of play.

5. A Competitive Edge: With the Buckeyes continuing to recruit top-tier talent, Tate will be surrounded by other dynamic players at the wide receiver position. The friendly competition in Ohio State’s receiver room will only help Tate improve, sharpening his skills in a way that will prepare him for the next level. This competition, combined with his individual drive, makes him a potential future star in the making.