Greg McElroy compares Jeremiah Smith to Julio Jones as a freshman

Freshman wide receivers have been the early buzz of the 2024 college football season. A lot of attention has been on Ohio State‘s Jeremiah Smith and rightfully so. Smith was ranked the On3 Industry Rankings‘ No. 1 overall player in the 2024 class and has made an immediate impact for the Buckeyes.

ESPN’s Greg McElroy was able to find a comparison for Smith, likening him to a former teammate — Julio Jones. Not just because of the on-field traits but because of how hyped Jones was early in his career with Alabama.

“This guy comes in with all sort of fanfare,” McElroy said. “He reminds me very much of a guy like Julio Jones. Just big, physical, looks the part. He looks like he’s 28 years old when he’s just 18 or 19. But he’s not really at this point, giving up any physical limitations to anyone he’s played against.”

Jones and McElroy played together for two seasons with the Crimson Tide, winning a national championship in 2009. The two are considered legends in Tuscaloosa for bringing home the first title of the Nick Saban era home. If there is anybody who knows what Jones was like in college, it’s McElroy. After all, many consider Jones the most important recruit Saban got at Alabama.

Some might still have questions about Smith considering the nature of Ohio State’s schedule. This past week against Michigan State was the first power conference foe Smith went up against, someone McElroy described as “average” on the outside.

The competition level is about to see a major increase, beginning with Iowa on Saturday. But no matter who is lining up across from Smith, 19 receptions for 364 yards and five touchdowns in just four games is quite impressive for a true freshman wide receiver.

“We’re going to find out more about this young man,” McElroy said. “But he’s off to a great start here in his first few weeks as a Buckeye.”