Jeremiah Smith, WR
Even though he's a true freshman, Smith already has an argument to present as the best wide receiver in college football in 2024. Smith has led the way with a team-high 1,224 receiving yards on 70 catches, for 14 receiving touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown on 52 rushing yards.
Smith has been the biggest contributor to an Ohio State offense that ranks third in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency (per BCF Toys).
He is one of these superstar outside receivers for Ohio State who are nearly impossible to consistently defend one-on-one in man coverage who Day and the Buckeyes have started developing in recent years (i.e. Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2023 and Garrett Wilson in 2021).
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning called Smith an "NFL-ready" wide receiver after Ohio State dominated the Ducks in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Peach Bowl a few days ago.
"He’s strong. He attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I’ve seen. I mean the guy’s NFL-ready. He’s that talented. He’s very special and Will Howard did a great job of getting the ball to him tonight. He’s tough to defend, he’s physical, he’s got all the tools. So, really talented player."Dan Lanning on Jeremiah Smith
Smith broke Cris Carter's record at Ohio State for the most receiving yards by a freshman in a game, reeling in seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Ducks at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
Texas's No. 1 ranked pass defense and all-conference starting cornerbacks (Jahdae Barron and Malik Muhammad) will be tested in a way they haven't been all season for the Longhorns in pass coverage against Ohio State's lethal receivers in the slot and on the outside.