Jeremiah Smith Named to Maxwell Award Watch List, Cementing His Rising Star Status in College Football’s 2025 Season Spotlight
Jeremiah Smith, the electrifying wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has officially been named to the prestigious Maxwell Award Watch List, a distinction that cements his place among college football’s elite heading into the 2025 season. The announcement, made by the Maxwell Football Club early Monday morning, represents more than just preseason hype—it’s a national recognition of Smith’s extraordinary potential, relentless work ethic, and the anticipation surrounding his breakout sophomore campaign in Columbus.
For those who’ve followed Smith’s trajectory, the news comes as no surprise. One of the highest-rated recruits in recent history and the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2024 signing class, Smith arrived in Columbus with massive expectations. He was a five-star prospect out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, lauded for his polished route running, elite hands, and rare athleticism. Even as a freshman, he stood out in a crowded receiver room known for producing NFL talent. Now, with a year of college experience under his belt, Smith is poised to emerge as not just one of the best receivers in the Big Ten, but one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the entire country.
The Maxwell Award, presented annually since 1937, honors the most outstanding player in college football. It has traditionally served as a barometer for national recognition, often forecasting future Heisman contenders and first-round NFL draft picks. Past winners include legends like Barry Sanders, Peyton Manning, Lamar Jackson, and most recently Caleb Williams. To even be mentioned on the preseason watch list is a testament to Smith’s immense talent and growing national profile.
Still, being placed on a watch list is just the beginning. The road to becoming a Maxwell Award finalist—or even winning it—requires not only raw skill, but week-to-week dominance, leadership, and consistency. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, Smith possesses all the tools needed to compete at that level. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he combines the physicality to beat press coverage with the speed to separate downfield and the hands to make contested catches in traffic. He’s equally effective on short slants as he is on deep posts, and his football IQ allows him to read defenses with the poise of a seasoned veteran.
What truly separates Smith from other young receivers, though, is his maturity and focus. Coaches have repeatedly praised his practice habits, his willingness to study film, and his drive to improve every facet of his game. “Jeremiah’s got all the talent in the world,” said Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline, himself a former Buckeye and NFL wideout. “But it’s the way he prepares, the way he takes coaching and applies it instantly, that’s what sets him apart. He wants to be great—and not just someday, but now.”
Those who watched Ohio State’s spring game this past April got a taste of what Smith is capable of. He hauled in five receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yard bomb where he outran double coverage and made a leaping grab in the end zone. His performance sent a clear message—not just to Buckeye fans, but to opposing defensive coordinators around the nation. If Smith was already looking like a WR1 as a true freshman, what might he become in Year 2?
The Buckeyes’ offensive scheme, led by new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, is expected to highlight Smith’s abilities even more in 2025. Kelly has a long track record of designing high-powered offenses, and early indications from fall camp suggest he’s crafting plays specifically to get the ball into Smith’s hands in a variety of ways—from traditional outside routes to jet sweeps, bubble screens, and motion mismatches in the slot. Smith has drawn comparisons to elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Marvin Harrison Jr., both for his skill set and his upside.
His Maxwell Award candidacy will also be influenced by team success. Ohio State enters the 2025 season with championship aspirations, a top-five preseason ranking, and a revamped roster that blends seasoned veterans with explosive young talent. If the Buckeyes can run the table—or even make a serious College Football Playoff push—Smith’s national profile will only continue to rise. He’s not just expected to produce; he’s expected to lead.
Leadership is another area where Smith is already making strides. Though still an underclassman, teammates speak of him as someone who leads by example. He’s often the first player in the weight room and the last to leave the practice field. His competitiveness, intensity, and refusal to settle for “good enough” have quickly made him a favorite among both players and coaches.
And then there’s the NFL buzz. Scouts have been eyeing Smith since high school, but with his recent physical development and college production, he’s quickly becoming a name to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts believe he has the potential to be a top-10 pick, especially if he continues to dominate against top competition. His performance against elite Big Ten defenses this season will provide a perfect stage to showcase his skills.
Of course, every rising star must also learn to navigate pressure, expectations, and the scrutiny that comes with national attention. The Maxwell Award Watch List is both a recognition and a challenge—it says, “You belong among the best, now prove it.” Smith, by all accounts, welcomes that challenge. In interviews, he remains grounded, frequently deflecting praise to his teammates and coaches. “It’s an honor,” he said of the Maxwell list. “But it just means I’ve got to keep working. I haven’t done anything yet. My focus is on helping us win every week.”
That kind of humility is rare in today’s social media-fueled sports world, where highlight clips and hype can often outpace actual production. But Smith seems wired differently. His inner circle—including his family and coaches—has emphasized accountability, discipline, and staying true to the process. It’s not about chasing awards, but about doing your job, every day, at the highest level.
Smith’s journey to Ohio State and now to the national spotlight is also a reminder of what makes college football so compelling. It’s the story of a young man with immense gifts, but also the drive to turn those gifts into greatness. It’s about the grind—the early mornings, the late nights, the quiet sacrifices behind the scenes. And when all of that starts to pay off, the recognition follows.
As the 2025 season draws near, the buzz surrounding Smith continues to build. He’s expected to be one of the most targeted receivers in the country, a focal point for Ohio State’s offense, and a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Whether it’s streaking down the sideline for a touchdown or drawing double coverage that opens up lanes for teammates, Smith’s impact will be felt on nearly every snap.
But while the Maxwell Watch List serves as a marker of potential, the work is far from over. Smith understands that greatness is earned, not given. And for all the attention, accolades, and comparisons, he remains focused on one thing: helping Ohio State win.
In the end, whether or not Smith takes home the Maxwell Award will depend on many factors—his health, his team’s success, and his ability to rise to the moment. But regardless of how the season unfolds, one thing is certain: Jeremiah Smith is not just on a watch list. He’s on the verge of something bigger. A season for the ages? Perhaps. A legacy in the making? Quite possibly.
And as Buckeye Nation watches him take the field this fall, they’ll do so knowing they’re witnessing the rise of a player who may soon become a household name in college football—one play, one game, one spectacular catch at a time.
