Ohio State Sensation Jeremiah Smith Rumored to Hold College Football’s Highest Game Rating Heading into 2025 Season According to Insiders
Jeremiah Smith’s emergence as one of college football’s most electrifying young talents is no longer just a story being whispered around the Ohio State facilities or discussed in closed recruiting rooms across the country—it’s now a headline sweeping through the entire sport. The wide receiver phenom, a former five-star recruit who arrived in Columbus with monumental expectations, is now rumored to have the highest college football rating in the nation according to early game system metrics. And if the whispers are true, Smith’s rise could signal the beginning of a new era not only at Ohio State but also across the wider college football landscape.
What has long separated Jeremiah Smith from his peers is his rare blend of physical attributes, route-running precision, football IQ, and unshakable confidence. Those traits, already showcased in high school and hyped throughout the recruiting process, have translated seamlessly into his collegiate journey. His performance in spring ball, team scrimmages, and early summer workouts has reportedly been so dominant that internal grading systems at Ohio State—and analysts affiliated with digital gaming engines and simulation platforms—have placed him atop all returning and incoming players. Whether or not those numbers become official in an NCAA video game or recruiting database, the sentiment is now resonating clearly: Jeremiah Smith might just be the best player in college football before taking a single meaningful snap in the regular season.
It’s not often that a freshman receiver generates this level of attention before even logging a full competitive season, but Smith’s case is not ordinary. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds with elite speed and natural hands, he is drawing early comparisons to Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, and even a young Randy Moss. Former Buckeyes legends like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. have built a strong receiver legacy at Ohio State, but there’s real talk within the coaching staff and alumni circles that Smith could surpass them all if he stays healthy and focused.
When Smith committed to Ohio State, his decision sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. He was the crown jewel of his class, and every major program from Alabama to Georgia to Miami fought aggressively to land him. Yet it was Ohio State’s continued legacy of elite receiver development and Ryan Day’s offensive vision that ultimately won him over. From the moment he stepped on campus, he demonstrated not only the ability to meet expectations but to far exceed them. Coaches have raved about his work ethic, his commitment to film study, and his willingness to do the small things—blocking, studying defensive tendencies, mentoring younger teammates—that set great players apart from merely talented ones.
The rumors about his potential top rating are based on a combination of advanced metrics and internal practice evaluations. Smith’s 40-yard dash time, vertical leap, and route separation statistics reportedly place him in the 99th percentile nationally. In practice matchups against veteran defenders, he’s consistently won his one-on-ones, adjusted mid-play to misread coverages, and made circus-like catches with shocking regularity. Insiders familiar with the Buckeyes’ analytics system have noted that Smith already grades out higher than any Ohio State offensive player since Justin Fields. And that includes multiple first-round picks and All-Americans.
The buzz doesn’t stop with in-house analysis. Digital developers tied to the much-anticipated revival of EA Sports’ College Football video game franchise are reportedly using early performance metrics and player potential modeling to shape in-game ratings. Smith, according to anonymous developers and insiders who’ve previewed mock rosters, is believed to hold the highest overall rating of any player entering the 2025 college football season. This rating takes into account physical skills, football IQ, performance data, and long-term potential. While EA Sports has yet to confirm any official ratings or rankings, the rumor mill has intensified as mock player cards and simulated gameplay footage have leaked online. In each one, Smith stands tall—often as the most unstoppable offensive force on the field.
Of course, with such acclaim comes equally daunting pressure. Jeremiah Smith will be expected to perform at an elite level against top-tier defenses from day one. The Big Ten remains one of the toughest conferences in the country, and teams like Michigan, Penn State, and USC will be ready to test him at every turn. Defensive coordinators are already scheming ways to bracket him, double cover him, and confuse the Buckeye offense in hopes of slowing his rhythm. Yet, for all the challenges ahead, those closest to Smith believe he is mentally wired for greatness.
Smith has reportedly spent countless hours studying the tendencies of NFL receivers, watching film of Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, and Stefon Diggs to master the subtle arts of separation, timing, and deception. He has also developed a strong rapport with Ohio State’s quarterback room, regardless of who ultimately wins the starting job. That chemistry, particularly in a pass-heavy offense like Ryan Day’s, could be the single most important factor in helping Smith fulfill the lofty projections attached to his name.
His teammates, many of whom have seen elite talent cycle through Ohio State, speak of Smith with reverence. One veteran defender was quoted anonymously saying, “He’s not just another good receiver—he’s a problem. A real one. You can’t take your eyes off him for even a second.” Such praise isn’t uncommon during camp season, but in Smith’s case, it’s consistent and widespread.
Beyond the field, Smith carries himself with maturity and humility. He often deflects praise, credits his teammates for his success, and focuses on the team’s goals rather than individual accolades. Still, there is an unmistakable aura about him—the kind that only the truly special athletes possess. Fans have already taken notice, flooding social media with highlight clips from practice and breathless predictions about what’s to come. Merchandise sales featuring his name and number are reportedly strong, and NIL deals are starting to stack up, though Smith remains committed to keeping football his top priority.
The bigger question now is how this all translates into the regular season. Will the hype prove justified once he steps into the crucible of live college football action under the bright lights of packed stadiums? History suggests that many highly rated players have struggled to maintain their dominance when the intensity spikes. But Jeremiah Smith appears to be cut from a different cloth. His high school track record, dominant early performance, and all-world skillset point to a player ready to seize the spotlight rather than shrink from it.
Ohio State’s season opener will be watched with even more interest than usual, not just because the Buckeyes are title contenders, but because Jeremiah Smith will finally step onto the field with real stakes and real defenders trying to shut him down. Every snap he takes will be analyzed, critiqued, and discussed by fans and analysts alike. But no matter what happens in week one, the journey of Jeremiah Smith is only just beginning.
If the rumors about his rating are accurate, and if he truly is the highest-ranked player in the game heading into 2025, then college football might be witnessing the dawn of its next generational superstar. And if he fulfills even half of the expectations being placed on his shoulders, Jeremiah Smith won’t just be the highest-rated player in a game—he’ll be the standard by which all future receivers are measured.
