BUCKEYE ELITE: Jeremiah Smith, Michael Adedokun, Jesse Mendez, and Caleb Downs Headline Ohio State’s Star-Studded Class of 2024–25

Ohio State University has always prided itself on excellence, not just in academics and tradition, but in the arena of athletics where champions are forged and legends are made. The 2024–25 academic year presents a glittering showcase of talent, and at the heart of it all are four transcendent athletes whose presence and performance have already electrified Buckeye Nation—Jeremiah Smith, Michael Adedokun, Jesse Mendez, and Caleb Downs. These four have risen above an already exceptional crop of student-athletes to emerge as the definitive faces of Ohio State’s athletic dominance this year. Their stories, their growth, and their impact both on and off the field symbolize a resurgence and continuation of the Buckeye legacy in ways that few classes ever have.

Jeremiah Smith is perhaps the most recognizable name among the quartet, and for good reason. As a freshman wide receiver who was the No. 1 recruit in the country, the expectations surrounding him were sky-high even before he set foot on the field. But in typical Buckeye fashion, Smith didn’t just meet the expectations—he obliterated them. His combination of size, speed, footwork, and football IQ quickly made him a favorite target in the offense, and his route running looked more like a veteran’s than a freshman’s. With every reception, every touchdown, and every ankle-breaking cut, he made it abundantly clear that Ohio State had landed a generational talent. His poise under pressure and willingness to be coached only added to the admiration of teammates and fans alike. What makes Smith’s rise even more impressive is how quickly he acclimated to the college game. While many top high school prospects take a season or more to transition, he seemed born for the bright lights of the Horseshoe. In games that mattered most, Smith came through in ways that defined leadership and clutch performance, establishing himself not just as a future NFL first-rounder, but as the kind of player who elevates the entire team.

On the defensive side, few players turned heads in 2024 quite like Caleb Downs. Transferring from Alabama after a stellar freshman campaign, Downs brought with him a championship mentality and instantly solidified the Buckeyes’ secondary. His instincts, vision, and hard-hitting style quickly made him a fan favorite, and his leadership reverberated through every level of the defense. Downs was the kind of player who made opposing offensive coordinators lose sleep at night. His ability to shut down passing lanes, support the run defense, and communicate with clarity and precision made him the ultimate chess piece for the Buckeyes. But more than the stats and highlight-reel plays, it was the way he carried himself off the field that endeared him to Buckeye Nation. Downs became a mentor to younger players, a student of the game, and an ambassador of the program. His transfer was seen as one of the biggest wins in the portal era, and with every game, he proved why. In many ways, Downs is the embodiment of what it means to wear scarlet and gray—not just talent, but toughness, grit, and integrity.

Shifting gears to the wrestling mats, Jesse Mendez emerged as one of Ohio State’s most dominant athletes in 2024–25. Already a household name in collegiate wrestling, Mendez elevated his game to new heights this season. A returning All-American, he showed up with a vengeance, determined to bring a national title to Columbus. Match after match, his technique, endurance, and fierce competitiveness left opponents flailing and coaches in awe. But it wasn’t just his performance that set him apart—it was the culture he helped cultivate. Mendez’s leadership was instrumental in pushing Ohio State wrestling into serious title contention. Younger wrestlers looked to him not just for advice, but for inspiration. He trained with the intensity of a champion and competed with a passion that bled Ohio State pride. Whether he was facing off against top-ranked opponents or pushing through grueling dual meets, Mendez was a consistent force—an anchor in one of the nation’s toughest sports. He made wrestling cool again in Columbus, attracting crowds, media attention, and national respect with every pin and takedown.

Then there’s Michael Adedokun, whose rise has been meteoric and electrifying. A true dual-sport standout, Adedokun has captured imaginations with his elite versatility and remarkable physical gifts. On the track, his explosiveness and acceleration made him one of the Big Ten’s most feared sprinters, while his forays into football revealed a rare athletic specimen who could change games in an instant. Though often overshadowed by some of the more high-profile names in the Buckeyes’ storied programs, Adedokun’s performances have become impossible to ignore. Coaches speak of him in awe, citing his relentless work ethic and incredible ability to improve week over week. His presence alone added depth and strength to multiple athletic departments, proving that he is the kind of generational athlete who can excel in any arena. Whether it was anchoring a relay team or making game-breaking plays in football, Adedokun played like someone on a mission—and that mission always seemed bigger than himself. His influence spread throughout the locker rooms and training facilities, setting a standard for work ethic and mental toughness.

Together, these four athletes don’t just represent individual excellence; they represent a collective standard for what Ohio State athletics is striving to be in this new era of collegiate sports. In a time where NIL deals, transfer portals, and media buzz often dominate the conversation, Smith, Downs, Mendez, and Adedokun remind fans and future recruits that it’s still about heart, hustle, and honoring the jersey. Their commitment to the program, their teammates, and to personal growth illustrates why Ohio State remains one of the most respected athletic institutions in the country. But the impact of these young men extends beyond the field, court, and mat. Each has become an integral part of the Buckeye community, engaging in charity events, mentoring local youth, and serving as role models for what student-athletes can and should be. Their academic achievements and personal growth are a testament to a program that doesn’t just build athletes—it builds leaders.

The university has recognized this, rolling out promotional campaigns and spotlight features that highlight the all-around excellence of these four young men. From ESPN features to community awards, the spotlight hasn’t just followed them—it’s grown brighter because of them. Recruiters often point to their stories when trying to lure the next great athlete to Columbus, and fans pack stadiums and arenas with the expectation of witnessing greatness every time they step on the field or mat. There’s a shared sentiment across campus and beyond that the 2024–25 athletic year will be remembered as one of the most transformative in Ohio State history, and at the center of that transformation are these four titans.

As the seasons progress, the goals become even clearer: win championships, break records, and continue etching their names into the long and proud legacy of Ohio State athletics. But no matter where the future takes them—whether it’s NFL stardom, Olympic dreams, or professional wrestling circuits—their time in Columbus will be remembered for what it was: a moment when talent met purpose, and the result was magic. There’s something timeless about watching greatness unfold in real time, and Ohio State fans know they’re witnessing exactly that with Jeremiah Smith, Michael Adedokun, Jesse Mendez, and Caleb Downs. They are not just names on a roster. They are trailblazers, culture-setters, and cornerstones of a Buckeye era destined to be etched in gold.

In the years to come, as new recruits enter the program and new names begin to rise, the legacy of these four will serve as a benchmark—proof of what’s possible when talent, discipline, and heart align perfectly. Coaches will cite their tape. Teammates will remember their leadership. Fans will recall the chills they got watching them compete. And the university itself will continue to honor the mark they made on Ohio State athletics. For now, though, in the heat of this unforgettable season, it is clear: Jeremiah Smith, Michael Adedokun, Jesse Mendez, and Caleb Downs are not just the best of 2024–25—they are the standard by which all future greatness will be measured at Ohio State.