Travis Hunter took center stage on a memorable Saturday night, capturing the 79th Heisman Trophy with 552 first-place votes. His performance electrified fans and left no doubt about his worthiness of the honor. Hunter’s journey to New York, however, was anything but easy. He had to overcome stiff competition from Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward, and Ashton Jeanty. The closest rivalry was with Jeanty, the Boise State standout, as the margin between them was razor-thin—2,231 votes for Hunter compared to Jeanty’s 2,017.
Looking ahead to next year, several finalists and fresh faces are expected to compete for the prestigious award. One name generating buzz is Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Analysts are already speculating whether Smith could follow in Hunter’s footsteps and redefine Heisman tradition.
RJ Young, a respected commentator, highlighted Smith’s incredible freshman season. He recorded 57 receptions for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns before Ohio State’s first-round playoff game against Tennessee. Young believes Smith will be a dominant force in the Buckeyes’ receiving corps, even as standout receiver Emeka Egbuka prepares for the NFL Draft. Smith’s potential has sparked discussions about whether he could end his Ohio State tenure as the best receiver in the school’s storied history.
Travis Hunter’s Heisman victory marked a significant departure from tradition, as quarterbacks have overwhelmingly dominated the award in recent years. Hunter’s two-way play at Colorado and his ability to overcome challenges, including a shoulder injury that sidelined him for two games, made his campaign extraordinary. With Deion Sanders guiding him, Hunter rebounded and achieved his dream, inspiring the college football world.
Jeremiah Smith shares a similar trajectory, entering college as the top-ranked high school prospect. While Smith focuses solely on wide receiver duties, his talent and early impact evoke comparisons to Hunter. By midseason, Smith had already surpassed Cris Carter’s record for most touchdowns by an Ohio State freshman. His impressive achievements have positioned him as a potential Heisman contender, provided he remains at Ohio State amidst ongoing controversies surrounding head coach Ryan Day.
Ryan Day, despite an impressive overall record of 62-9, has faced criticism for repeated losses in key games, including four consecutive defeats to Michigan. This string of failures has fueled fan frustration, with “Fire Ryan Day” hashtags gaining traction on social media. Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork has expressed support for Day, but tensions remain high.
Smith recently added to the speculation with a social media action that caught the attention of fans. He liked a post calling Day “inept” for his struggles against Michigan, raising questions about his commitment to the Buckeyes and his relationship with the coaching staff. Such developments could significantly impact Ohio State’s football program and Smith’s future in Columbus.
While the spotlight currently shines on Smith’s potential, it also illuminates the broader challenges and uncertainties facing Ohio State football as they prepare for the next season.