Jeremiah Smith has returned to Ohio State for what is anticipated to be his third and final year in college football before potentially declaring early for the 2027 NFL Draft. After a season filled with disappointment, Smith’s commitment to Columbus remained steadfast.
Following Ohio State’s season-ending loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, speculation swirled around whether the Miami native might be tempted by offers from rival programs. Responding to inquiries about this interest, Smith hinted at a significant external offer.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Smith remarked. “I knew, especially at the end of that game (against Miami), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t going anywhere.”
Smith excelled at Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, known as one of the top high school programs in the state. He entered college as the top-ranked recruit of the 2024 class, attracting attention from virtually every major program nationwide.
Since joining Ohio State, Smith has exceeded expectations. In just two seasons, he has already secured his position among the best receivers in the program’s history. With 2,558 receiving yards, he ranks sixth in the record books, only 310 yards away from Emeka Egbuka’s school record of 2,868. Additionally, Smith sits fifth in career receptions (163) and touchdown catches (27), aligning him with Ohio State’s legendary pass-catchers.
His mix of size, speed, and precise route-running establishes him as a nucleus of the Buckeyes’ offense, likely making him a top-five selection in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft.
Despite the allure of offers, Smith’s dedication remained unchanged.
“I was always going to be at Ohio State,” he confirmed.
As he enters his junior season, Smith is aiming for another 1,000-yard campaign and a shot at another national championship following his role in the Buckeyes’ title victory as a freshman in 2024. With quarterback Julian Sayin returning as a Heisman Trophy finalist, and Smith positioned as one of the most dangerous playmakers again, Ohio State’s offense appears formidable. Sayin holds +1200 odds to win the Heisman Trophy in 2026, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with Smith closely behind at +1300—both ranked among the national frontrunners.
These personal triumphs feed into heightened team aspirations. Ohio State currently boasts the best national championship odds at +550 on FanDuel Sportsbook, a testament to the depth and talent surrounding Smith and Sayin as they chase yet another title in Columbus.
