From South Florida to the Shoe: Jeremiah Smith Already a Standout for OSU
Columbus, OH — The buzz around Ohio State’s spring camp has centered on a name that fans are already chanting in anticipation: Jeremiah Smith. The five-star wide receiver from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in South Florida hasn’t played a single snap in an official game, but his impact in Columbus is already being felt. The freshman phenom is not just fitting into the Buckeye culture—he’s thriving in it.
When Jeremiah Smith committed to Ohio State in the 2024 recruiting cycle, it was seen as a monumental win for head coach Ryan Day and receivers coach Brian Hartline. The Buckeyes beat out programs like Miami, Florida State, and Alabama for his signature. Smith, widely considered the top wide receiver in the country and one of the best high school prospects in recent memory, arrived in Columbus with towering expectations. Now, just a few weeks into his first spring camp, he’s not just living up to the hype—he’s exceeding it.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Smith possesses the rare physical tools that combine size, speed, body control, and elite catching ability. But what has impressed coaches and teammates the most isn’t just his athleticism—it’s his football IQ, maturity, and relentless work ethic. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, new to the Buckeyes’ staff but well-seasoned in evaluating elite talent, has already noted how advanced Smith is for an early enrollee. Kelly described Smith as “playing like a veteran” and said that his understanding of coverages and ability to read defenses is “lightyears ahead” of most freshmen.
Jeremiah Smith has quickly earned reps with the first-team offense during scrimmages and team drills, an achievement rarely granted to true freshmen, especially in a receiver room as deep and talented as Ohio State’s. This is the same program that recently produced NFL standouts like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr.—players who have set the standard for excellence at the position. To crack the top group in this lineage speaks volumes about what Smith brings to the table.
The chemistry he’s already developed with the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks, particularly Devin Brown, is another key reason his stock is rising so quickly. During open practice sessions, Smith has consistently made contested catches, turned short gains into explosive plays, and exhibited the kind of crisp route-running typically seen in experienced college receivers. Devin Brown, locked in a battle for the starting quarterback role, has praised Smith for his consistency and competitiveness. “He’s one of those guys you don’t have to second-guess,” Brown said. “If he’s on the field, he’s making a play. That’s just what he does.”
Veteran wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, expected to be the leader of the 2025 wideout group, has taken Smith under his wing. Egbuka has been vocal about how impressed he is by Smith’s demeanor and commitment. “The kid is locked in,” Egbuka said. “He asks questions, takes coaching seriously, and then goes out and executes. It’s not just talent—it’s the mentality. That’s what makes him special.”
Indeed, Smith’s mentality has been a defining trait since his high school days in South Florida, where he torched defenses week after week, often drawing double and triple coverage. At Chaminade-Madonna Prep, he compiled over 1,500 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior year alone, earning All-American honors and national attention. Even with all the accolades, Smith remained humble and driven. That same attitude has followed him to Columbus.
While many freshmen can be overwhelmed by the transition to college football—balancing classes, workouts, and a new playbook—Smith seems to be embracing the challenge. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, who has developed a reputation as one of the best position coaches in the country, said that Smith’s daily preparation is already on par with some of the more seasoned players. “He studies film like a junior, competes like a senior, and practices like he’s still trying to earn a scholarship,” Hartline said. “That’s the kind of foundation that leads to greatness.”
His rapid development has drawn the attention of national analysts and even NFL scouts, some of whom are already forecasting him as a future first-round pick. While such speculation is premature, it’s a testament to just how unique his combination of skill and poise truly is. ESPN’s Tom Luginbill recently called Smith “one of the most complete freshman wideouts we’ve seen enter the college game in the last decade.” For Ohio State fans, it’s hard not to dream big.
The excitement surrounding Smith isn’t just about individual stats or flashy plays—though he delivers plenty of those. It’s also about what his rise means for the Buckeyes’ offense as a whole. With Marvin Harrison Jr. now in the NFL and Egbuka potentially eyeing the league after this season, Ohio State needs the next wave of elite receivers to step forward. Smith’s emergence provides a huge boost to the team’s 2025 aspirations, both in the Big Ten and nationally.
Head coach Ryan Day has been measured in his praise, careful not to anoint any player too early, but even he has acknowledged the significance of what Smith is doing. “Jeremiah is working really hard, and that’s the most important thing right now,” Day said. “There’s a long way to go, but we’re very encouraged by what we’ve seen.”
For Smith, the attention is appreciated but not distracting. When asked how he handles the spotlight, he keeps his response simple and grounded: “I came here to work. I knew the expectations, and I embrace them. But I’m not satisfied. This is just the beginning.”
Indeed, it is. From the sunny fields of South Florida to the historic turf of the Horseshoe, Jeremiah Smith’s journey is just getting started. If his first weeks in Columbus are any indication, the Buckeyes have found their next star—and college football’s defenses have been put on notice.
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