Jeremiah Smith continues to stand out.
Ohio State’s standout wide receiver made a significant impression as a true freshman last season, and with spring practices now underway, he’s once again capturing attention—including that of seasoned NFL veterans.
New Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who joined the program in February, got his first extended look at Smith this spring. Even with decades of NFL experience, Patricia came away notably impressed.
“Outstanding presence out on the football field,” Patricia said. “That’s probably the biggest thing I would say – just his ability to calm things down and play. Really good player, obviously, but that’d probably be the biggest thing.”
Coming from someone who’s worked with elite talent—Super Bowl runs with the Patriots, a head coaching stint with the Lions, and time as defensive coordinator for the Eagles—Matt Patricia’s praise carries weight.
He’s coached against the best, yet it’s a 19-year-old sophomore who’s captured his attention.
Jeremiah Smith was nearly unstoppable in his freshman campaign, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Receiver of the Year, First-Team All-American honors, and playing a key role in Ohio State’s national championship run.
Still just 19, with his 20th birthday not until November, Smith is already performing with the poise and polish of a seasoned veteran.
But as the Buckeyes look ahead to 2025, one major question remains: who will be under center?
With Will Howard headed to the NFL after a single season in Columbus, Ohio State now finds itself in the midst of a quarterback competition featuring Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin, and Tavien St. Clair.
There’s no clear frontrunner yet, but whoever wins the job will inherit an enviable situation—with Jeremiah Smith lined up on the outside.
And if he’s already this dominant, year two could be something special.
