Jeremiah Smith, the standout freshman wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been one of the most exciting players in college football this season. With 57 catches for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, Smith has proven to be an explosive force on the field, averaging 16.4 yards per catch. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, his combination of size and skill makes him a nightmare for defenders. Despite his impressive numbers, some Buckeyes fans feel he hasn’t been utilized enough in Ohio State’s offense, especially given his potential to take over games.
As Ohio State prepares for their playoff game against Tennessee, there’s an increasing expectation that Smith should play a larger role in the offense. With the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation still uncertain for next season, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding Smith’s future. CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer even listed Smith as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate for the 2025 season, citing his ability to dominate contested catches and make spectacular plays, such as one-handed grabs. Smith’s reputation as the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class has only added to the excitement around his future.
Heading into the playoff game, there’s a growing sentiment that Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, need to make a concerted effort to get Smith more involved. For the Buckeyes to maximize their chances of success against Tennessee, Smith should be a central figure in the game plan, with expectations for him to rack up 8-9 receptions, over 100 yards, and at least one touchdown. If Ohio State were to lose the game, fans would find it much more acceptable if Smith had been a major contributor, rather than sidelined despite his clear talent
