Jeremiah Smith ranks No. 8 on Pro Football Focus’s Top 101 college football players list for the 2023 season, establishing the Ohio State wide receiver among the nation’s elite.
The soon-to-be sophomore finished just behind Big Ten standouts Abdul Carter (No. 6) of Penn State and teammate Tyler Warren (No. 5) in the rankings.
Smith’s impact was immediate in his freshman campaign, highlighted by his catch of Will Howard’s game-winning touchdown pass in the national championship game.
Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day emphasizes Smith’s unique approach to leadership.
“I think we always want to draw our comparisons because that’s what we do naturally,” Day said. “Whether it’s players or coaches, it’s easy for everyone to say, ‘Well, he’s this person’ and not kind of put him in a box but sort of categorize him based on someone who has come before [him]. Jeremiah is his own person.”
Following Ohio State’s 41-21 Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, Day noted Smith’s quiet but effective leadership style.
“From the get-go, he had the look in his eye that he wanted to make an impact as a freshman,” Day said. “His teammates will tell you the same thing. He’s earned the respect of the teammates, not because of his [football] ability. You guys see his ability, but to me, it’s the work ethic every day. He comes in; He’s serious. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but when he does, people listen.”
Smith’s coaching relationship with Day extends beyond traditional player-coach dynamics, with Day viewing his role as more of a mentor for Smith’s development.
The wide receiver enters the 2024 season as one of college football’s most watched players.
