Jeremiah Smith might be the best receiver in college football, and he’s just getting started

It’s almost unheard of—a freshman who just turned 19 in November stepping onto the college stage and dominating against players who are sometimes 24 years old, thanks to the transfer portal and extended COVID eligibility. But Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State isn’t just meeting expectations; he’s shattering them. He might already be the best receiver in the country, and he’s an NFL star in the making. Period.

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Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was asked how his team would dedicate attention to Smith without giving up too much to the Buckeyes’ other receiving threats. His coy response on Friday?

“I just hope we’re good enough to guard them,” Sarkisian said. “These guys are really good players. We’ll find out.”

Sarkisian did expand on the strengths of both Smith and Emeka Egbuka during his Friday media session.

“They’re both big, physical players,” Sarkisian said. “They have length. They have speed. They have playmaking ability on the ball. They have really big catch radiuses. They’ve got the scheme to go with it, with Coach (Chip) Kelly and Coach (Ryan) Day, and they’ve got a quarterback who delivers on the ball. So, you add all that up, these guys are impactful players that are real issues, and we’re going to have a hard time guarding them.”

But what makes Smith, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking, so special? Let’s break it down.

NFL-Ready Physical Attributes

Smith has the size, strength, and athleticism that make NFL scouts salivate. His massive hands allow him to secure catches effortlessly, even in tight coverage. Whether it’s high-pointing a ball or shedding defenders after the catch, his physicality is already elite. He’s built to win one-on-one battles.

Mental Maturity Beyond His Years

For a true freshman to step in as Ohio State’s number one receiver is a massive responsibility, but Smith has risen to the occasion. No moment feels too big for him, and his poise under pressure is reminiscent of seasoned pros. He handles the spotlight with ease.

Elite Football IQ

Smith isn’t just physically dominant—he’s a technician. He understands leverage, route running, and how to set up defenders with precision. He’s mastered Ohio State’s playbook so well that he’s used in multiple roles: outside, in the slot, and even in the backfield. His ability to manipulate defenses based on his alignment is a rare skill, especially for a freshman.

Versatility and Playmaking

Smith has shown he can thrive in any situation. Whether he’s stretching the field on deep routes, making contested catches, or turning short passes into big gains, he’s a constant mismatch. Ohio State’s coaches trust him in every role, and he delivers consistently. His ability to make plays from anywhere on the field is a game-changer.

Comparisons to Julio Jones

If you’re looking for a player who had a similar impact as a freshman, the only comparison might be Julio Jones at Alabama. The combination of physical dominance, football intelligence, and maturity is what separates Smith from others in his class. Like Julio, Smith’s ceiling feels limitless.

NFL Pedigree and Star Potential

Coming from a family with NFL ties, Smith has been around the game his entire life. That exposure is evident in his preparation, work ethic, and understanding of what it takes to succeed. It’s not a question of if he’ll be a first-round pick—it’s when. His ceiling is sky-high, and he already looks like a future NFL superstar.

In an era where more freshmen are arriving physically prepared, Smith still stands out as a generational talent. He’s the complete package: size, skill, intelligence, and maturity. That’s why he’s not just the best freshman receiver in the country—he might be the best receiver, period. Smith isn’t just dominating now; he’s setting the foundation for what will likely be a long, successful NFL career. Texas will try to do what it can to be a roadblock on that journey, but it will be a very difficult challenge.