When Jeremiah Smith first stepped onto Ohio State’s campus, few could have imagined the impact he would have in just his freshman year. He burst onto the scene with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes capture the 2024 national championship.
The following season saw him tighten his grip on the record books, posting 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 scores, earning unanimous All‑American honors and a second straight Big Ten Receiver of the Year award.
Life Beyond the Numbers
Off the field, Smith’s routine is a blend of gaming, strategy and comfort food. He spends his days off immersed in EA Sports College Football, where he claims the title of the Buckeyes’ best player, while also mastering chess, a pastime he says sharpens the mental side of football.
A typical meal for Smith features chicken, macaroni and cheese, yams, collard greens and cornbread, often enjoyed at his favorite Columbus spot, Butcher & Rose. Before games he listens to old‑school rap legends like Lil Durk, Tupac and DMX, and watches the Netflix thriller “Fool Me Once.”
Socially, he values team bonding, whether it’s a steakhouse outing or a casual hangout with teammates. He names Kenyatta Jackson as the player he’d most want stranded on a desert island for his humor and seriousness, and credits James Smith as the team’s funniest member.
His off‑field connections extend to the wider world of fame. Smith has met NFL legend Michael Thomas and DJ Khaled at the F1 Miami Grand Prix, and he admits a fascination with Jeff Bezos, whom he would love to consult about building wealth.
Coach Ryan Day describes him as a “gentleman, high character guy” who remains humble despite the spotlight, a sentiment echoed by Smith’s own reflections on his family, his teammates and his love for the Buckeye community.