Ohio State WR signee Jeremiah Smith named nation's No. 1 overall recruit

On3 has released its final recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of the high school football season and all-star competitions. Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver and Ohio State signee Jeremiah Smith is the new No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 On300.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 32 five-star players, up from 21 in the penultimate update in November. Of those 32 prospects, 29 are signed to college programs, with three still yet to make their decisions official.

This final update comes after the end of the high school playoffs and postseason All-American games, where top prospects across the country faced off in a week of practices and ended with nationally televised games.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Smith committed to the Buckeyes on Dec. 14, 2022, but that was far, far from the end of his recruitment. Florida, Miami and Florida State all consistently pushed for the wideout through Early National Signing Day on Dec. 20.

Drama continued to build as many thought the Hurricanes were going to swipe Smith in the final hours, but after a lengthy paperwork delay, he was eventually announced officially as a Buckeye.

“I’m happy it’s over and I’m happy I’m a Buckeye,” Smith told On3.

“It was a stressful process for sure,” he said. “It’s not fun. You’ve got coaches calling you every day, every hour. Your teachers asking whose phone is going off and it’s college coaches texting you and calling you. It’s stressful, but you have to think about where you want to go and who you wanted to be coached by.”

“The recruiting process was stressful, for sure, but you keep God first and you pray you made the right decision. I’m focused on going to Ohio State, being developed and trying to get on the field early and get playing time as a freshman.”

In his senior season, Smith caught 90 passes for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps. He found pay dirt 45 times across three seasons, tallying over 3,000 yards worth of receptions.

Jeremiah Smith Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Smith as a prospect:

“One of the more talented and well-rounded receiver prospects in recent cycles. The highest-rated wide receiver prospect from Florida in well over a decade. A big, skilled receiver with fluidity and savvy for the position. Measured in at 6-foot-3 and around 200 pounds with a 32.5-inch arm prior to his senior season. Had a breakout junior season, catching 58 passes for 1,073 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading Chaminade-Madonna to a state title. A very polished route-runner at this stage with rare ability to change directions at his size. Smooth mover with technical refinement that allows for separation. Regularly stacks cornerbacks off the line. Pairs his route-running ability with advanced ball skills. Has strong hands and comes down with catches in traffic.

…A high-level ball tracker with the ability to locate the football over his shoulder. Capable of making fantastic one-handed grabs. Also flashes ability after the catch. Has the size to run through contact and a long stride to pull away in the open field. Also a strong track athlete winning state titles in the 110 meter and 400 meter hurdles as a junior. An extremely well-rounded prospect with a high floor and ceiling. Looks like a prototypical X wide receiver prospect with considerable traits and skills that point to an upside as a high draft pick.”