The Ohio State Buckeyes Defender, as revealed by Jeremiah Smith He’s Thrilled About

When Jeremiah Smith committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, it was a national story. The No. 1 wide receiver in the 2024 recruiting class, Smith arrived in Columbus with all the fanfare that comes with being considered a generational talent. But even in a spring filled with hype and high expectations for himself, the Florida native took a moment to shine a spotlight on a name few were talking about—at least not yet.

In a recent interview following spring practices, Smith didn’t spend much time talking about his own rise. Instead, he turned heads by revealing the defender he’s most excited about facing every day in practice: cornerback Aaron Scott Jr.

“He’s just got that ‘it’ factor,” Smith said. “He doesn’t back down. He’s long, physical, fast—and he knows how to play the game the right way. Iron sharpens iron, and I know we’re going to make each other better every single day.”

The high praise from Smith is no small statement. As someone who’s gone up against elite competition on the high school circuit, and now faces top-tier defensive backs in practice, Smith’s endorsement carries weight. For Buckeyes fans and coaches alike, it’s an early glimpse at a potentially special matchup that could define practices—and Saturdays—for the next few seasons.

Two Freshmen, One Fierce Battle

The connection between Smith and Scott Jr. is rooted in mutual respect and elite competition. Both players were considered among the best at their respective positions in the 2024 class. Smith, the five-star wideout from Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL), was ranked No. 1 nationally by nearly every recruiting outlet. Scott Jr., a four-star recruit from Springfield, Ohio, was regarded as a top-10 cornerback and one of the top players in the state.

The pair have already squared off during early spring practices, with Smith often lined up across from Scott Jr. in one-on-one drills. It’s a battle of elite size, speed, and instincts. Smith stands 6-foot-3 with elite route-running ability, while Scott Jr. brings 6-foot length, blazing closing speed, and advanced footwork that belie his age.

“Aaron doesn’t play like a freshman,” Smith added. “He’s got the poise and the mindset of a vet. That’s what I love about going against him. He challenges me.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day echoed the sentiment, noting how the early chemistry and competition between the two could push them to new heights.

“When you have guys like Jeremiah and Aaron going at it, that’s how you elevate your entire team,” Day said. “They’re competitors. Neither one wants to lose, and that’s a beautiful thing when you’re building toward a championship culture.”

The Rise of Aaron Scott Jr.

Aaron Scott Jr. might not have generated as many headlines as Smith on the recruiting trail, but in Columbus, his stock is rising fast. After enrolling early in January, Scott Jr. quickly made waves during winter workouts for his work ethic and attention to detail. But it wasn’t until the pads came on this spring that he truly began to flash.

Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton has been impressed with Scott Jr.’s ability to absorb the playbook and his natural instincts on the field. His ability to mirror receivers, play through contact, and recover when beaten has stood out, even against a loaded wide receiver room.

“He doesn’t get rattled,” Walton said. “That’s rare for a freshman. He studies film, he asks the right questions, and he competes like a guy who’s been here for years.”

With starting roles up for grabs following the departures of veterans like Denzel Burke (NFL) and Jordan Hancock (NFL), Scott Jr. is already putting himself in the mix for early playing time—perhaps even a starting job.

“If he keeps progressing the way he has,” said Walton, “it’s going to be hard to keep him off the field.”

A Star-Studded WR Room Still Recognizes Smith’s Talent

Even with Emeka Egbuka returning for another season and players like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss coming into their own, Smith’s talent has demanded attention. From the first day of spring ball, teammates and coaches knew he wasn’t just another five-star.

“He’s a different breed,” said wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. “The way he approaches the game, the attention to detail, the hunger—it’s all elite. He wants to be great, and that rubs off on everyone.”

Egbuka, who has mentored Smith during his first few months on campus, said he’s seen flashes of greatness already.

“He’s got all the tools. He just needs reps,” Egbuka said. “But what I love is he’s already challenging the DBs, and that brings out the best in everyone.”

The one-on-one drills between Smith and Scott Jr. have already become a must-watch event during practice. Whether it’s a contested fade route, a comeback at the sticks, or a double-move downfield, both players have taken turns winning—and neither shies away from the moment.

“We talk a little trash,” Smith admitted with a smile. “But it’s all love. He knows I’m trying to cook him, and I know he’s trying to lock me down. That’s what football is all about.”

A Glimpse Into the Future of Ohio State Football

While veteran leadership will guide Ohio State in 2025, the excitement surrounding the team’s young core is palpable. Smith and Scott Jr. headline a freshman class loaded with talent and potential. Their budding rivalry on the practice field could be the beginning of something much larger—two future first-round picks pushing each other to elite heights.

“That’s what makes Ohio State special,” said Smith. “You come here to go against the best every day. You want to be challenged. I came here to be great, and guys like Aaron are going to help me get there.”

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is also intrigued by what he sees.

“Aaron’s upside is tremendous. We’ve got him playing outside, but he’s versatile. Long-term, he’s got the tools to be a lockdown guy at this level and the next.”

And as for Smith?

“He’s every bit as good as advertised,” Knowles added. “You watch him run routes, you see how he gets in and out of breaks—it’s rare. That kid’s going to be a nightmare for defenses.”

Veteran Leadership and the Passing of the Torch

As the Buckeyes prepare for another national title run, the presence of seasoned leaders like Egbuka, safety Lathan Ransom, and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg will be vital. But the incoming wave—led by Smith and Scott Jr.—has brought new energy to the program.

Eichenberg has already taken notice of Scott’s readiness.

“You can tell who wants it,” Eichenberg said. “Aaron’s locked in, he’s physical, and he doesn’t flinch. That’s exactly what you want to see from a young guy in the secondary.”

Likewise, Ransom praised Smith’s mental toughness.

“He doesn’t get frustrated when things don’t go his way,” Ransom said. “He just resets and comes back harder the next rep. That’s maturity beyond his years.”

With the annual Spring Game around the corner, fans are eager to see what both young stars can do under the lights at Ohio Stadium. It may only be a scrimmage, but for many, it’ll be the first chance to see the future of Ohio State football in action.

The Legacy of Iron Sharpens Iron

The phrase “iron sharpens iron” has become a cultural staple in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. And nowhere is it more evident than in the budding battles between Jeremiah Smith and Aaron Scott Jr.

For Smith, the challenge of facing a talented corner like Scott Jr. every day is part of the reason he chose Ohio State over schools like Miami, Florida, and USC.

“I didn’t come here to be comfortable,” Smith said. “I came here to grow. And you only grow when you’re being pushed.”

And for Scott Jr., covering the nation’s best wide receiver on a daily basis is the ultimate crash course in elite competition.

“Every rep matters,” Scott said. “If I can hang with Jeremiah, I can hang with anybody.”

Their competition isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about preparation, growth, and raising the standard. As the Buckeyes reload for another playoff push, that edge may prove to be the difference.

It’s rare to see a freshman command the spotlight for praising a teammate rather than soaking it up himself. But that’s exactly what Jeremiah Smith has done. His excitement over Aaron Scott Jr. isn’t just about what happens in practice—it’s about what it means for Ohio State’s future.

Two elite prospects. One legendary program. A rivalry born in practice. And a fanbase eager to watch it all unfold.