The Ohio State Buckeyes Defender, as revealed by Jeremiah Smith He’s Thrilled About
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In the world of college football, iron sharpens iron, and no one understands that better than Jeremiah Smith. The former five-star wide receiver and No. 1 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class arrived at Ohio State with massive expectations—but also with a work ethic that’s turned heads inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Smith has already begun earning his stripes in spring practices, but perhaps just as notable as his own dominance is the name he recently dropped in an interview that’s raised eyebrows: a defender on the Buckeyes roster who Smith believes is poised for a breakout year.
“He’s a dog,” Smith said with a smile, when asked about the toughest defender he’s faced so far in Columbus. “That’s my guy. He brings it every single snap. It’s not just talent—it’s attitude, it’s intensity. He’s going to be a problem for a lot of offenses this year.”
That player? Sophomore cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr.
And make no mistake—Smith isn’t handing out compliments lightly.
A Wide Receiver’s Respect: Smith’s Praise Holds Weight
For a freshman still acclimating to the speed and physicality of college football, Smith’s assessment carries considerable clout. He’s been regarded as a generational talent, often compared to former Buckeye legends like Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson. His evaluation of Mathews wasn’t prompted—it was organic, a genuine nod from a competitor who’s gone head-to-head against him day after day in spring ball.
“Jermaine don’t back down from nobody,” Smith said. “You know when you go up against him, you better be locked in. If you’re not—he’s gonna win.”
Smith’s words offer a glimpse into not just Mathews’ skill set, but also the culture of competition Ryan Day has cultivated in Columbus. When elite recruits and underclassmen challenge each other with genuine mutual respect, it creates the kind of environment where stars are born.
The Rise of Jermaine Mathews Jr.
Jermaine Mathews Jr. may not have entered Columbus with as much national fanfare as Smith, but he has quickly proven himself as one of the most promising young defensive backs in the country.
A four-star recruit from Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, Mathews was a late riser in the 2023 class. Though he was overshadowed on national boards by five-star DBs like Cormani McClain and Caleb Downs, the Buckeyes staff always believed they had something special. Now, after a strong freshman campaign and an electric spring, Mathews looks ready to be the next great Ohio State corner.
Last season, Mathews appeared in 10 games and made a significant impact on special teams while getting rotational snaps in the secondary. His defining moment came against Western Kentucky, where he recorded his first career interception—showcasing instinct, timing, and ball skills. But it’s this offseason where he’s truly taken the leap.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has raved about Mathews’ development.
“Jermaine has been phenomenal,” Knowles said in a recent press conference. “He’s physical, he’s smart, and he’s a competitor. He’s making life tough on our receivers, which is exactly what we want.”
The Intangibles: Why Mathews is Different
What makes Mathews special, according to both coaches and teammates, goes beyond raw talent. His film study habits are elite. He’s constantly asking questions in meetings, getting extra reps after practice, and seeking out the toughest matchups in team drills.
“Jermaine wants to go against Jeremiah every rep,” said cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. “He doesn’t want the easy assignments. That says everything you need to know about the kid.”
This attitude has helped Mathews rapidly ascend the depth chart. While Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun are expected to be the starters on the outside, Mathews is pushing for legitimate rotation reps—and in some packages, he’s already seeing first-team action.
“He’s got that dog in him,” said Marvin Harrison Jr., who returned to the Buckeyes this spring as a graduate assistant and mentor. “He’s competitive as hell, and he’s not intimidated by anyone.”
The Battle in Practice: Iron Sharpens Iron
With Jeremiah Smith on the field, Ohio State practices have turned into a proving ground. The battles between him and Mathews are becoming must-watch sessions for staff members and teammates alike.
“You feel the energy when they line up against each other,” said Kyle McCord, now with the Syracuse Orange but still close with many in Columbus. “That’s future first-round pick stuff, both sides.”
Smith, at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, offers a size-speed combo that’s nearly impossible to defend—unless, of course, you’re matching that athleticism with elite footwork, anticipation, and physicality. That’s exactly what Mathews has done all spring.
“I’ve gotten him a few times, but he’s gotten me too,” Smith said. “That’s what makes it fun. You gotta bring your A-game.”
Ohio State’s Legacy at Corner
Mathews is attempting to follow in the footsteps of a long line of elite Ohio State corners. From Marshon Lattimore to Denzel Ward to Jeff Okudah and now Denzel Burke, the Buckeyes have quietly built “DBU” status on the outside.
What separates Mathews from some of the others is his chip-on-the-shoulder mentality. He wasn’t a can’t-miss five-star. He had to prove it on the field, which has instilled a sense of urgency and hunger in his daily approach.
“I remember when people were questioning if I belonged here,” Mathews said in a February interview. “I kept receipts.”
Now? He’s cashing in.
What It Means for Ohio State in 2025
With the Buckeyes entering a pivotal year—potentially with a new starting quarterback and renewed championship expectations—the play of the secondary could define the season. Last year, the Buckeyes boasted one of the best defenses in the nation, but with Michigan still looming and programs like Penn State and Oregon surging, Ohio State needs lockdown coverage to maintain its edge.
Having a third corner emerge as a top-level player is critical. That’s where Mathews comes in.
If he can rotate in and hold his own against top-flight receivers—or even allow Knowles to unleash more press-man packages—it opens up the playbook in a big way. Pairing Burke, Igbinosun, and Mathews gives Ohio State arguably the best cornerback room in the country.
“He’s going to be huge for us,” Knowles said. “Mark my words.”
The Brotherhood: Smith and Mathews Building a Bond
What makes this storyline even more intriguing is the growing friendship between Smith and Mathews. Though they come from different backgrounds—Smith from South Florida, Mathews from Cincinnati—they’ve connected over a shared drive to dominate.
“We push each other, man,” Smith said. “Like, we’re talking after every rep. What did I see? What did he see? How can we get better? It’s not just competition—it’s collaboration.”
That mentality is paying dividends. Their friendly rivalry in practice is laying the foundation for mutual greatness on game days.
“You love to see that,” Ryan Day said. “That’s what makes great teams—when your best players are also your hardest workers and your fiercest competitors.”
A Message to Opponents: Beware No. 24
If you’re a Big Ten quarterback planning to pick on a second-year corner, be warned—Jermaine Mathews Jr. is not your typical sophomore.
He’s already earned the respect of one of the best receivers in the nation, he’s being trusted with key reps by one of the best coaching staffs in football, and he’s proving every day that he’s ready for the spotlight.
“Watch the tape,” Smith said. “He’s next.”
With his emergence, the Buckeyes defense looks even more dangerous than it did a year ago—and that’s a terrifying thought for the rest of college football.
A Future Star in the Making
Ohio State fans are used to seeing greatness develop in front of their eyes. From Joey Bosa to C.J. Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have no shortage of iconic names. Jermaine Mathews Jr. may very well be the next one added to that list.
And the fact that a player like Jeremiah Smith—already being projected as a top-5 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft—is calling him out as the defender he’s most thrilled about? That’s not a coincidence. That’s a warning shot.
Ohio State isn’t just reloading—they’re redefining the standard.
And if spring practice is any indication, Mathews and Smith are going to be two of the brightest stars in college football for the next two seasons.
Get ready, Buckeye Nation.
Because the Jeremiah Smith–Jermaine Mathews Jr. era is just getting started.
