Ohio State Star Freshman Jeremiah Smith Boldly Vows He Will Never Lose to Michigan During the Remainder of His Career

Jeremiah Smith hasn’t even played a down for the Ohio State Buckeyes yet, but the five-star phenom is already speaking like a seasoned veteran in the most heated rivalry in college football. In an emphatic statement that’s turned heads across the college football landscape, Smith declared he will never lose to Michigan during the remainder of his Ohio State career.

For Buckeyes fans still stinging from the program’s recent three-game skid against the Wolverines, Smith’s bold vow is music to their ears. But for others, especially those clad in maize and blue, it’s seen as brash, premature, and perhaps ill-advised considering how dominant Michigan has been over Ohio State since 2021.

Smith’s comments came during a recent interview following summer workouts in Columbus, where the elite wide receiver reflected on his goals, expectations, and mindset heading into his freshman season. When asked about The Game—the annual Ohio State vs. Michigan showdown that defines the trajectory of both programs—Smith didn’t hesitate to set the bar sky-high for himself and his teammates.

“I came to Ohio State to win championships and beat Michigan. Period,” Smith declared. “Losing to them isn’t an option. I don’t plan on ever losing to Michigan while I’m here.”

It was the type of confident, no-nonsense rhetoric that instantly ignited both fanbases and social media. Within hours, Smith’s promise was trending across platforms, with Buckeye Nation celebrating his fearless attitude, while Michigan supporters labeled it arrogant and naive for a freshman yet to play under the bright lights of The Shoe or The Big House.

Still, those familiar with Smith’s pedigree understand that this isn’t an ordinary first-year player talking. Regarded as one of the most highly touted recruits in Ohio State history, Smith arrived on campus as the consensus No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and one of the highest-rated prospects in the 247Sports era. Hailing from Florida football powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Smith dominated the high school scene with a rare blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability that drew comparisons to NFL greats like Julio Jones and A.J. Green.

Smith’s commitment to Ohio State last year was seen as a massive recruiting win for head coach Ryan Day, especially after the Buckeyes’ struggles against Michigan in recent seasons began to erode some of the program’s invincibility on the national stage. Michigan’s three consecutive wins over Ohio State—including back-to-back victories in Columbus and Ann Arbor—have flipped the narrative of the rivalry and fueled frustration in the scarlet and gray faithful.

But Jeremiah Smith is determined to be part of the solution to that problem. His vow to never lose to Michigan isn’t just about bulletin-board material—it reflects a growing sense of urgency within the Ohio State locker room to reclaim superiority in The Game.

“We’re building something special here,” Smith explained. “The talent is crazy, the coaches are locked in, and the older guys have made it clear—the losing streak ends now.”

Smith’s comments come at a pivotal moment for the Buckeyes, who are entering the 2025 season with national championship aspirations and a roster brimming with elite talent. With quarterback Will Howard transferring in from Kansas State to provide veteran leadership, an offensive line stacked with experience, and one of the most loaded receiving rooms in college football history, Ohio State is widely viewed as a legitimate contender to not only dethrone Michigan but return to the College Football Playoff.

Yet, beating Michigan remains the top priority.

For decades, the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has defined college football in the Midwest and often the national championship race itself. From the legendary Ten-Year War between Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler to the modern showdowns featuring Heisman candidates and future NFL stars, The Game carries stakes unlike any other rivalry in the sport.

The recent three-game winning streak for the Wolverines, led by Jim Harbaugh before his departure to the NFL, marked a seismic shift. Michigan won the Big Ten in each of those seasons, culminating in a national championship in 2023 that only intensified the pain for Ohio State fans.

Now, Jeremiah Smith represents a new wave of talent and swagger determined to flip the rivalry back in Ohio State’s favor.

Veteran Buckeye players and coaches have praised Smith’s work ethic, competitive edge, and readiness to embrace the pressure that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray. Despite being just a freshman, Smith is expected to make an immediate impact on the field, joining forces with fellow elite receivers like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Emeka Egbuka to form what many analysts consider the most dangerous wideout corps in the country.

But beyond the X’s and O’s, it’s Smith’s vocal leadership and unwavering confidence that have made headlines this summer.

“Jeremiah’s a dog, plain and simple,” said sophomore quarterback Devin Brown. “He’s got that mentality you want in a guy who knows what this rivalry means. We’ve all got the same goal—beat Michigan—and it’s good to have young guys coming in who already live by that.”

Still, Smith’s vow hasn’t come without criticism.

Some pundits have cautioned that bold proclamations can sometimes backfire, especially against a Michigan program that remains a powerhouse despite Harbaugh’s exit. First-year Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore inherits a loaded roster, particularly in the trenches, and has vowed to keep Michigan at the top of the Big Ten mountain.

Michigan fans, unsurprisingly, wasted no time responding to Smith’s comments.

“He better hope he’s on the field when we come to town,” one Michigan supporter wrote on social media. “Talking big before playing a snap? Classic Ohio State.”

Others pointed to the past as evidence that words alone won’t end Michigan’s dominance.

“We heard the same stuff from other five-stars before him,” another fan noted. “Where were they when Michigan ran for 300 yards the last few years?”

While detractors may question the wisdom of Smith’s bold vow, few can dispute his talent or drive to back it up. His high school resume speaks for itself: over 1,800 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns in his senior season, multiple All-American honors, and performances in national showcases that left scouts in awe.

Now, the focus shifts to translating that potential into production—and victories—at the next level.

For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, Smith’s comments reflect the culture he’s cultivating, one built on accountability, high expectations, and an unwavering focus on reclaiming bragging rights over Michigan.

“We don’t shy away from what’s at stake in this rivalry,” Day told reporters recently. “Every guy in this program knows beating Michigan is the standard. Jeremiah’s confident because he believes in the work we’re putting in.”

As the countdown to the 2025 season opener continues, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can live up to his promise. The first Ohio State-Michigan showdown of his career will take place in Ann Arbor this November, a hostile environment that has haunted the Buckeyes in recent years.

But Smith welcomes the challenge.

“Pressure makes diamonds,” he said with a grin. “I’m built for this. We’re built for this. We’ll be ready, and I’m keeping my word.”

For Buckeyes fans desperate to end the agony of recent seasons, Smith’s vow represents more than just words—it’s hope, belief, and a bold declaration that Ohio State football still has the fire to reclaim its place atop the rivalry.

Whether Jeremiah Smith delivers on his promise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the next chapter of The Game just got a lot more interesting.