Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State wide receiver who earned the Iron Buckeye honor for his work in the weight room, is aiming to add another badge to his résumé: team captain for the upcoming season. His reputation for discipline and physical preparation has already set him apart, and now he is channeling that same drive into guiding the team's leadership structure.
A New Kind of Captaincy
The Buckeyes' roster this year is a patchwork of transfers and freshmen, with roughly half of the players new to the program. Smith sees an opportunity to help those newcomers acclimate to a culture that prizes winning, brotherhood and a brand of tough love that defines Ohio State football.
His approach to leadership extends beyond drills and meetings. Smith makes a point of chatting with teammates about life outside football, from family matters to weekend hobbies, even sparking a conversation with the starting quarterback about taking up golf this summer.
The coaching staff has already named four on‑field captains — Caleb Downs, Brandon Inniss, Austin Siereveld and Sonny Styles — establishing a framework that Smith hopes to expand with his own voice and example.
If his early work in the weight room is any indication, the senior star is poised to blend physical preparation with mentorship, shaping a team that blends experienced firepower with eager fresh talent as the new season approaches.