Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State secures top recruit despite late drama

NEW DELHI: Ohio State emerged victorious in retaining the commitment of five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Despite intense late-game pursuits by rival programs, Smith officially inked his commitment to the Buckeyes, closing a recruiting chapter that was marked by some suspense.
Smith, the first wide receiver ever ranked as the No. 1 player in the 247Sports recruiting rankings, initially pledged allegiance to Ohio State in December 2022.His journey to becoming a Buckeye, however, took unexpected twists as powerhouse programs like Miami, Florida State, and Florida persistently vied for his talents.


The star wideout capped off an illustrious high school career at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in South Florida, accumulating over 3,000 receiving yards. In his senior season, Smith's exceptional skills were on full display as he hauled in 88 passes for 1,376 yards, guiding his team to a flawless 14-0 record. Despite the late pursuits by in-state rivals, Smith maintained his loyalty to Ohio State, solidifying the Buckeyes' reputation as a premier destination for elite wide receiver prospects.
Smith's athletic pedigree, as the cousin of former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith and current Seattle Seahawks star, adds another layer to his promising future. His game, described by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, showcases a rare combination of size, speed, and hands, drawing comparisons to NFL star Julio Jones.

An excerpt from Ivins' assessment reads, "An absolute bully at the catch point that will give defenses fits given the rare combination of his size, speed, and hands."
The impact of Smith's commitment on Ohio State is significant, especially considering uncertainties in the receiver room for the 2024 season. While top targets Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka contemplate their futures, Smith's addition provides a boost to the Buckeyes. With Julian Fleming, the No. 3 wide receiver, entering the transfer portal and a new starting quarterback on the horizon following Kyle McCord's transfer to Syracuse, Ohio State's receiving corps will experience a notable transformation.
Even with potential changes, the Buckeyes have already fortified their ranks with the signings of three top-10 receivers from the 2023 recruiting class: Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Noah Rogers.