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Scarlet Sunrise: Jeremiah Smith snubbed by Maxwell Football Club for Freshman of Year honor

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•about 23 hours•

SpencerHolbrook

Jeremiah Smith by Mick Walker -- Lettermen Row --
Jeremiah Smith (Mick Walker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has the best freshman wide receiver in the history of its program. And he’s also one of the best at his position in college football this season.

But Jeremiah Smith somehow didn’t win the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year. The Maxwell Football Club and Shaun Alexander announced on Thursday that Texas EDGE Colin Simmons won the award over Smith.

Simmons, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end who has logged 394 snaps so far and has 39 tackles, 13.0 for loss, and 8.0 sacks to go along with three forced fumbles and an interception, is a great player for the Longhorns, who are still alive in the College Football Playoff.

Smith has 63 catches for 1,037 receiving yards and 11 touchdown grabs this season, making him Will Howard’s top receiving option.

Yet Simmons won the award over Smith. Jeremiah Smith will just need to keep proving himself through the CFP after his six-catch, 103-yard, two-touchdown performance in the win over Tennessee on Saturday.

ICYMI: Ohio State lands Rice offensive line transfer Ethan Onianwa

Rice transfer offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa has committed to Ohio State. The Buckeyes add another coveted transfer as they attempt to restock their offensive line this offseason.

The 6-foot-6 and 345-pound Onianwa started nine games for Rice in the 2024 season. All nine starts came at left tackle after flipping over from the right side in the offseason. He made 25 starts at right tackle across the previous two seasons for the Eagles.

Onianwa had above average grades this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His overall offensive grade was 74.3. He had a 67.9 run block grade and 78.7 pass block grade. Additionally, Onianwa’s season-high pass block grade of 86.5 came against Houston, the lone Power Four opponent that Rice played in 2024.

Ohio State will lose both starting offensive tackles to the NFL Draft after the season. Left tackle Josh Simmons has already declared for the draft as recovers from a season-ending injury that he suffered in the Buckeyes loss to Oregon. Right tackle Josh Fryar has exhausted his eligibility and he will likely get a shot to play in the NFL as well. 

Counting down

Ohio State vs. Oregon in Rose Bowl: 5 days
Ohio State at Michigan: 337 days

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