What they're saying about Jeremiah Smith: 'It's stupid how talented he is'
COLUMBUS — No. 2 Ohio State beat Iowa 35-7 on Saturday to improve to 5-0 this season ahead of the top-three matchup at No. 3 Oregon. One of the headliner of the win over Iowa: freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who just keeps making unreal highlight catches and proving that he’s one of the best pass catchers in the country.
The former No. 1 overall recruit from the 2024 recruiting class, Smith was expected to have an impact this year. But this kind of impact? It’s been remarkable to watch him haul in 23 passes for 453 yards and six receiving touchdowns — as well as two carries for 33 yards and a touchdown run. He had two one-handed catches against Michigan State — one for a touchdown — and another one-handed touchdown grab against Iowa.
In this post, we’ll take a look around at what some folks around the national media are saying about Smith’s incredible start to his career.
Here’s what they’re saying…
Ryan Day praised Jeremiah Smith after Ohio State beat Iowa
“I think the probably overall maturity. What I mean by that, like his physical maturity. He’s big and strong, as you see, so that’s important. I think the next thing is emotional maturity. This is somebody who practices hard every day. He’s avoided distractions up until this point. He stays disciplined, practices really hard. I know that fumble is, it’s going to bother him, you know. And I think that’s what makes him great.
“But he also has a lot of confidence, and we have a lot of confidence that we go right back to him and know what he’s capable of. So he’s got a great coach in Brian Hartline. He’s got a great mentor in Emeka Egbuka. But he also came in with a great work ethic and a great mindset. But also, you know, physically, he’s big and strong, which allowed him to get on the field sooner.”
ESPN analyst compares Smith to NFL All-Pro
“This guy comes in with all sort of fanfare,” ESPN’s Greg McElroy said on his Always College Football show last week. “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.”
“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.”
The Athletic breaks down just how good Jeremiah Smith has been so far
Smith showed off everything he had to offer Saturday against Iowa, which has one of the best secondaries in America. His ability to blow the doors off whoever’s standing opposite him, either in press or off coverage, is elite, as are his in-air adjustments and ball skills.
…
Beyond just beating people deep and in the end zone, Smith also has shown advanced skill along the sideline, underneath and as a blocker. He is truly one of the most complete receivers in college football, at 18 years old.
Nick Bumgardner, The Athletic
This exchange on the College Football Enquire podcast sums it up nicely
Let’s check in with what our friends over at the College Football Enquirer podcast had to say about Smith during their segment on the Buckeyes…
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Yahoo! Sports’ Dan Wetzel: “Ohio State looks fantastic. They have not played the schedule that others have, but that’s going to change when they go to Oregon. Ohio State has been a background character so far in college football. That’s going to change. Very interested to see how many one-handed catches Jeremiah Smith has this week.”
Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger: “Can he do a third straight game with a one-handed touchdown catch? It would be a third straight game. I mean, remarkable. Absolutely remarkable. I know we talked a lot about [Alabama freshman wide receiver] Ryan Williams after the Georgia game, but at this point, I don’t know that any receiver has been more incredible to watch and made more great plays than Jeremiah Smith. Just insane.”
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde: “As Will Howard put it, it’s stupid how talented he is. Look down on the field, I was right down there with him, he is a big specimen. He is a big guy for a receiver — and so fast. That was the difference in that game. That’s the one thing: Alabama, the playing field may be leveling in some ways. Not at Ohio State. They spent $20 million, as advertised, on NIL. They got their money’s worth. They’ve got pros all over the place. That’s going to be a great game against Oregon. Oregon better be ready for what’s coming to them.”
Dellenger: “When Jeremiah Smith reaches out with his arm to get these one-handed catches, he looks like a body-builder. His arm looks like a body builder’s. He’s huge. He looks huge just on TV. It’s incredible.”
Seahawks QB Geno Smith, Jeremiah’s cousin, expects greatness from Jeremiah
“I’ve also had the chance to watch J.J. since he was about 10 years old,” Geno said. “He’s going to be the best receiver ever. I really believe that. Man, I was in the house. I was watching the whole [Akron] game when he caught that first touchdown. Man, I jumped right out of my seat. The whole house was going crazy. It was good to see that. I thought he had a heck of a game. Man, I thought he started out a little slow. I know he wants to catch that first one. He would have scored on that one, too — let’s go, J.J.
“But great debut. I thought he did great. He’s born with the talent, but he’s putting the work in, and he’s ready. He’s ready right now.”
