Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, regarded as a top player, alleges Miami tampered with him after the Cotton Bowl, drawing scrutiny on Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal and turning discussion toward recruiting and a potential rematch in next season’s national-title race.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith said a college program tried to lure him into the transfer portal after the Cotton Bowl, but he stayed with Ohio State for a third season. A Miami native with 162 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns across two seasons, Smith had 87 catches, 1,243 yards and 12 TDs last year and helped OSU win a national title as a true freshman in 2024. OSU opens the 2026 season vs Ball State on Sept. 5 and hosts Texas in Austin on Sept. 12 as Smith pursues another 1,000-yard season before potentially turning pro.
Ohio State’s spring practice highlights OC Arthur Smith praising Jeremiah Smith’s limitless potential, Brandon Inniss vowing to push for a first‑round NFL selection, and Buckeyes discussing depth, versatility, and continuity across the roster as they build toward the 2026 season.
In Joel Klatt’s All-College Football Mock Draft, every 2025 college player is eligible for the NFL Draft, producing a full first round led by Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) to the Raiders, Arch Manning (Texas) sliding in at No. 3 to the Cardinals, and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) going No. 4 to the Titans, with a mix of quarterbacks, wide receivers, edge rushers, and offensive linemen filling the rest of the top selections across 32 teams.
ESPN ranked Fernando Mendoza as the best player in the 2025 College Football Playoff field, despite acknowledging that Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is arguably the most talented player, highlighting the complex factors of talent, situation, and luck in determining the 'best' player.
Ohio State boasts two of college football's top freak athletes, with Jeremiah Smith ranked No. 1 and Sonny Styles in the top 10 on Bruce Feldman's Freaks list, highlighting their exceptional athleticism and workout achievements.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day highlighted the team's progress and key players at Big Ten Media Days, emphasizing Jeremiah Smith's physical development, ongoing quarterback competition, and strategic coaching decisions, while also addressing NIL and conference scheduling issues.
Ohio State athletes Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs, and Sonny Styles received top honors in the Big Ten preseason awards, with Smith being the only unanimous selection. The honors highlight Ohio State's strong representation in the league, with a total of three players recognized among the 16-member squad, and seven schools overall represented.
Jeremiah Smith, a star freshman at Ohio State, has vowed not to lose to Michigan in the next two years, expressing a strong rivalry sentiment after the Buckeyes' loss to the Wolverines and celebrating their national championship win, with Smith playing a key role in their success.
Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith, standout wide receivers from Alabama and Ohio State respectively, have been chosen as the cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26, marking the return of the popular franchise. Both players gained national attention in 2024 with spectacular plays, and their selection highlights their rising prominence in college football.
Ohio State is set to face its archrival, the Wolverines, in a highly anticipated football game, aiming to end a losing streak since 2019. Fans can participate in a contest to win a signed Jeremiah Smith jersey by predicting the total receiving yards for Ohio State's receivers. The contest requires predictions to be submitted in the comments section before kickoff, with the closest prediction without going over winning the prize, provided Ohio State wins the game.
In Ohio State's 38-15 victory over Indiana, eight true freshmen saw playing time, including standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who recorded three catches for 34 yards and a carry for 12 yards. Smith, who holds the freshman record for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, is close to joining Ohio State's 1,000-yard receivers club. Other freshmen like Jaylen McClain and Eddrick Houston also contributed, with McClain playing on special teams and Houston leading freshmen with 10 defensive snaps. The game highlighted Ohio State's depth and readiness for upcoming challenges.
Ohio State dominated Northwestern at Wrigley Field, with Buckeye fans making up the majority of the crowd. Ohio State won 31-7, with standout performances from Jack Sawyer, who had a career-high seven tackles and a forced fumble, and freshman Jeremiah Smith, who set a record with his third 100-yard receiving game of the season. The game marked the fourth football match at Wrigley Field since 1970, all featuring Northwestern, who remains winless in these contests.
Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 247Sports Composite, officially signed with Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over offers from Florida State, Miami, and Florida. Smith's decision was based on his belief that Ohio State's receivers coach, Brian Hartline, is the best in college football and the program's track record of producing NFL first-round draft picks. While other schools offered larger name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, Smith prioritized playing for Hartline and building his own legacy at Ohio State. The delay in announcing his signing was due to ensuring that the promises made during the recruiting process were put in writing. NIL opportunities have become a significant factor in recruiting, with players considering potential earnings alongside playing time, coaching, and facilities. Smith's decision ultimately came down to his desire to play for Hartline and Ohio State, despite the pressure to stay home.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had a priceless reaction to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's commitment to the Buckeyes, fending off Florida State and Miami. Air Noland, a highly touted left-handed quarterback, signed with Ohio State and is expected to be the future leader of the team. Ian Moore, a top interior offensive lineman, explained his decision to play for Ohio State in a heartfelt letter. Day wished former quarterback Kyle McCord luck at Syracuse and acknowledged that he knew McCord might leave the program.