‘We Definitely Going to Put on a Show’: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Locked In, Ready to Silence Every Doubter Loudly

Jeremiah Smith hasn’t played a single down of college football yet, but already, there’s a target on his back—and that’s exactly the way he wants it. The freshman wide receiver at Ohio State, widely regarded as the top receiver in the 2024 recruiting class and arguably one of the best to come out of high school in the past decade, has heard the whispers. He’s seen the social media comments questioning whether he’s as good as advertised. He knows some fans around the country think he made the wrong choice by heading to Columbus. And to all of it, his response is simple and direct:

“We definitely going to put on a show.”

That’s not just a confident soundbite for the cameras or a tweet meant to go viral. It’s a mission statement from a young man with uncommon focus, elite tools, and a relentless drive to make every doubter eat their words. Smith, who dominated at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in South Florida, is no stranger to pressure or hype. He’s thrived under the spotlight since his early high school days and has shown time and again that his game isn’t just about potential—it’s about production.

Now that he’s in Columbus, though, the stakes are higher. The expectations are greater. And the microscope is unforgiving. Yet when you talk to coaches, teammates, and even opponents, a consistent message emerges: Jeremiah Smith might be the rare freshman who’s not just ready for college football—he’s ready to take it over.

“Jeremiah doesn’t carry himself like a freshman,” said Buckeyes receivers coach Brian Hartline. “He practices like a pro, he studies like a pro, and he competes like someone who expects to be great. Not hopes—expects. That’s the difference.”

That expectation stems from years of development and dedication. Smith’s 6-foot-3 frame, 210-pound build, and rare blend of speed, strength, and ball skills make him a nightmare for defenders. But it’s his obsession with improvement that has earned him comparisons to past greats like Julio Jones, A.J. Green, and even former Buckeye legends like Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Smith’s path to Ohio State was not without drama. As a five-star prospect, he was the crown jewel of the Buckeyes’ 2024 recruiting class, committing early but facing heavy pushes from other programs, most notably Florida State and Miami. Throughout the process, Smith maintained that his goal was simple: to be developed by the best, compete with the best, and prove he was the best.

“The whole reason I came here was to compete,” Smith said. “I know what this place is about. I know the standard. I’m not afraid of it. I want it.”

His arrival comes at a pivotal time for the Buckeyes. With Ryan Day under increasing pressure to get back to the College Football Playoff and beat Michigan after three straight losses, the 2024 season could be program-defining. The quarterback battle remains the talk of the offseason, but whoever wins the job will have an embarrassment of riches at receiver—and Smith might quickly become the centerpiece.

Veterans like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate offer proven production and leadership, but Smith’s presence adds another dimension. He’s already drawing double coverage in spring practices, and there’s real belief inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center that he could start Week 1—and make a major impact from Day 1.

“He’s just different,” said rising sophomore cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt, who’s faced Smith in practice. “You think you’re in perfect position, and then he goes up and snatches the ball like you’re not even there. You can’t teach that.”

That “different” quality is what has fans so excited—and opposing defensive coordinators so concerned. But Smith isn’t getting caught up in the hype. He knows that being the next great Buckeye wideout means more than flashy highlights and media attention. It means grinding when no one’s watching. It means blocking on the edge. It means running crisp routes even when he’s not the primary read. And above all, it means delivering when it counts most.

“I’m not here just to make big plays. I’m here to win championships,” Smith said. “That’s what this school is about. If I just came here to look good, I could’ve gone anywhere. I came here to work and win.”

And work, he has. Coaches have marveled at his ability to absorb the playbook, adapt to the pace of college practices, and hold his own against seasoned veterans. He’s already drawn praise for his willingness to ask questions, seek coaching, and hold himself accountable. For all his natural talent, it’s his mindset that truly separates him.

Still, he’s aware that there are critics waiting for him to stumble. That the moment he drops a pass or gets shut down, there will be tweets and hot takes ready to question whether he was overhyped.

Smith doesn’t just welcome that pressure—he feeds off of it.

“I’ve been hearing that my whole life,” he said. “People said I was too hyped in eighth grade. Then I dominated high school. People said I wouldn’t be the same once I faced real DBs. I trained against pros and held my own. Now they’re saying, ‘Let’s see what he does in college.’ I love it. Keep talking. I’m going to show y’all.”

That chip on his shoulder isn’t just bravado. It’s part of his DNA. Growing up in South Florida, where talent is abundant and competition is fierce, Smith learned early that you can’t rest on rankings or potential. Every game, every rep, every opportunity counts. And the hunger he developed there hasn’t faded one bit since arriving in Columbus.

In fact, those who know him best believe he’s only getting started.

“He’s just scratching the surface,” said former Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones. “As good as he is right now, he’s got another level—and he’s going to reach it. Trust me. The kid is built different.”

That “next level” might be what separates Smith from not just other freshmen, but from most college receivers period. With NIL deals, national exposure, and NFL scouts already monitoring his progress, it would be easy for a teenager in his position to get distracted or complacent. But Smith remains grounded—focused not on his brand, but on his ball.

He credits his family and mentors for keeping him humble. He speaks often about wanting to make them proud. And he understands the weight of wearing the scarlet and gray jersey—not just for himself, but for the fans, the alumni, and the long tradition of greatness that he’s now part of.

“Every time I put that helmet on, I know what it means,” he said. “I know who wore it before me. I know what they built. And I know it’s my job to keep it going.”

So when Smith says, “We definitely going to put on a show,” it’s not just about jaw-dropping plays or ESPN highlights. It’s about setting the tone. It’s about earning respect. It’s about helping Ohio State reclaim its place at the top of college football—and proving that the doubters were never right to begin with.

And if early signs are any indication, Jeremiah Smith isn’t just going to live up to the hype. He might just redefine it.