Will Howard on Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith: 'He's gonna be special, man'

On National Signing Day this past year, Ryan Day breathed a sigh of relief when he learned Jeremiah Smith signed his National Letter of Intent. The Five Star Plus+ wide receiver was the crown jewel of Ohio State’s recruiting class and had potential to be the latest in a line of talented players at the position.

Smith was the top player in the country from the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. A product of Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Fla.), he was one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star.

Through the offseason program, incoming quarterback Will Howard got a close look at Smith’s potential. While speaking at the Manning Passing Academy held at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., the Kansas State transfer added to the excitement about what Smith brings to the offense.

“Pretty unbelievable,” Howard said of the Ohio State wide receiver room. “That true freshman, Jeremiah Smith, he’s gonna be special, man. Between him, Emeka [Egbuka], Carnell [Tate], those three are probably the featured guys.”

Smith generated buzz during spring practice after enrolling early at Ohio State, and he joins a receiver room that will have Egbuka once again. Although he totaled 515 yards and four touchdowns a year ago, Egbuka had a monster 2022 season when he recorded 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.

But Tate could also emerge this year after the departures of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Julian Fleming. He also arrived as a highly rated recruit out of Chicago and ranked fifth on the Ohio State roster with 264 yards as a true freshman in 2023.

Tate isn’t the only sophomore receiver who can come in and make an impact. Brandon Inniss only appeared in eight games last season, but could also be looking at a breakout campaign with a larger role. Add in Bryson Rodgers and Jayden Ballard, and Howard said Ohio State has the playmakers to make some noise in the new-look Big Ten.

“I think Bryson Rodgers can do a lot of really good things,” Howard said. “I think Brandon Inniss is gonna make a huge impact, I think Jayden Ballard can make a big impact. The fact that we are two, three deep at some positions with unbelievable talent is special. Zone 6 is loaded this year.”

The Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon contributed to this report.