The Buckeyes of Ohio State might have already discovered their next Smith, Jeremiah
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been recognized as a powerhouse in college football, consistently producing top-tier talent, whether it’s on offense or defense. As they continue their dominance on the field, one position has become synonymous with success in recent years: wide receiver. Names like Cris Carter, Michael Jenkins, Santonio Holmes, and more recently, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, have graced the Buckeyes’ roster, elevating the program to the top of college football’s elite.
However, as Ohio State continues to build their dynasty, a new face is emerging on their roster, and it is perhaps only a matter of time before they find themselves once again marveling at a fresh wave of wide receiver talent. That player could very well be Jeremiah Smith, a name to watch closely in the future. While he may not have reached the same level of recognition as some of the Buckeyes’ past standouts just yet, his potential and skill set could make him the next big thing in a long line of elite Ohio State receivers.
A Strong Foundation of Ohio State Wide Receivers
Ohio State has a rich tradition of producing elite wide receivers who go on to make their mark in the NFL. The Buckeyes are known for developing some of the most refined and versatile talents in the game, and the program’s continued commitment to this tradition is evident in the recruiting efforts and depth at the position. Players like Michael Thomas and Terry McLaurin have not only starred at Ohio State but have become household names in the NFL, with both becoming key figures for their respective teams in the pros. The program’s ability to develop wide receivers who are physically gifted and technically sound is one of the key factors contributing to its continued success on the national stage.
For Ohio State, having a deep and talented receiving corps is crucial. The team’s offense often revolves around having multiple wideouts who can stretch the field, make big plays, and create mismatches for opposing defenses. In recent years, the emergence of players like Olave and Wilson has only added to the program’s reputation for producing elite receiving talent.
Garrett Wilson, for example, was a dynamic presence for Ohio State in recent seasons before declaring for the NFL Draft. His ability to make contested catches and create separation was key to the Buckeyes’ success. His seamless transition to the NFL, where he immediately became a major factor for the New York Jets, is a testament to the high level of coaching and development that Ohio State wide receivers undergo.
Chris Olave, too, had an exceptional career at Ohio State. With his precision route running and polished receiving skills, Olave carved out a successful career in Columbus and transitioned seamlessly to the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. These two players are just the tip of the iceberg for Ohio State, with the program continuing to develop receivers who are poised for future success in the NFL.
Enter Jeremiah Smith: The Next Great Buckeye Wide Receiver?
In the shadow of Ohio State’s established stars and their continued excellence at the wide receiver position, the emergence of Jeremiah Smith offers Buckeye fans a reason to be excited about the future. Although not yet as widely known as his predecessors, Smith is one of the most exciting prospects on the roster and has the tools to become the next elite receiver for Ohio State.
Smith, a talented wideout, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the Buckeyes. While much of his potential has yet to be fully realized on the field, his athleticism, work ethic, and football IQ are all hallmarks of the kind of player Ohio State has consistently recruited in recent years. There are several reasons why Smith could emerge as Ohio State’s next great wide receiver and why the Buckeyes might have already found the next version of their past stars.
Physical Attributes and Athleticism
One of the first things that stands out about Jeremiah Smith is his physical profile. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 210 pounds, Smith has the ideal combination of size and speed that makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders. His long frame and natural athleticism give him the ability to win in a variety of ways—whether it’s on contested catches, jump balls, or beating defenders with quickness and agility off the line of scrimmage.
What sets Smith apart is his rare combination of size, speed, and flexibility. He possesses the physical traits of a top-tier receiver, one who can consistently stretch the field vertically while also making plays in tight spaces. His speed allows him to separate from defenders, and his physicality makes him difficult to bring down once the ball is in his hands.
These are the same attributes that helped players like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave succeed in Ohio State’s high-powered offense. Smith has shown similar flashes of elite athleticism in practices and scrimmages, and it seems only a matter of time before he puts it all together on the field in a game situation.
Technical Skill and Route Running
Beyond his raw athleticism, one of the most important qualities for any wide receiver is the ability to run precise and effective routes. This is where Smith has the opportunity to shine as he continues his development in the Ohio State system.
Ohio State is known for its coaching prowess, particularly in the development of wide receivers. Under the tutelage of wide receiver coach Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes have become synonymous with polished route runners who can execute a wide range of techniques. Hartline has coached some of the most refined wideouts in the country, and his influence on players like Wilson, Olave, and others is evident. Jeremiah Smith has the potential to benefit from Hartline’s expertise and become a refined route runner in his own right.
Smith’s ability to create separation from defenders using quick, sharp routes is one of the things that will help him stand out. Whether he’s running short slants, deep posts, or comeback routes, Smith has the potential to develop into a wide receiver who can do it all. In a high-paced offense like Ohio State’s, having a versatile receiver who can execute a variety of routes is invaluable. Smith’s ability to master the nuances of route running will be crucial to his development, and he has already shown that he has the tools to excel in this area.
Chemistry with Quarterbacks and Big Play Potential
One of the defining characteristics of Ohio State’s offensive system in recent years has been its ability to produce explosive plays. With elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud at the helm, the Buckeyes have been able to push the ball downfield and take advantage of mismatches. The wide receivers, including the likes of Wilson and Olave, have excelled in this system, creating big plays week in and week out.
As Ohio State continues to develop new quarterbacks, it’s crucial for the wide receivers to develop chemistry with the signal-caller. For Jeremiah Smith, this means getting comfortable with the timing and nuances of Ohio State’s offense. His ability to form a strong connection with whoever is behind center will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Smith has already demonstrated an ability to stretch the field and make big plays when called upon. Whether it’s a contested catch down the sideline or a deep ball over the middle, Smith has the ability to create explosive plays for the Buckeyes. This type of versatility will be essential as Ohio State looks to continue its dominance in the Big Ten and nationally.
Mental Toughness and Work Ethic
What separates good players from great ones is often their mental makeup and ability to handle adversity. Smith’s mental toughness and work ethic will be essential in his development as an elite wide receiver. Ohio State has a history of recruiting players who possess the mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels, and Smith is no exception.
Smith has shown a willingness to put in the necessary work on and off the field to improve his game. This commitment to improvement is crucial, especially when considering the level of competition he faces week in and week out in the Big Ten. Success at Ohio State requires dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Smith has the mindset needed to thrive in that environment, and as he continues to refine his skills, his potential for success only increases.
The Next Smith?
If history is any indication, Jeremiah Smith could be poised to follow in the footsteps of Ohio State’s great wide receivers. The Buckeyes have consistently produced elite talent at the position, and Smith has the tools to be the next player to carry on that tradition.
While he may not have the same national recognition as some of Ohio State’s past stars at the moment, Smith’s potential is undeniable. With the combination of size, athleticism, technical skill, and work ethic, Smith could very well be the next great wide receiver for the Buckeyes.
As Ohio State continues to build its program, the emergence of players like Jeremiah Smith ensures that the future of Buckeye football remains bright. Smith may not be a household name just yet, but with his talent and dedication, he could very well become one in the near future. The Buckeyes have found themselves another gem, and in the coming years, Smith could very well be the next standout wide receiver for Ohio State, taking his place among the greats that have come before him.
