Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is only a true freshman, yet he has already established himself as one of the best players in all of college football. His dominance was on display in the Rose Bowl for the whole world to watch. His talent is NFL-caliber, but when will he be eligible to play on Sundays?
True Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith Already Looks Like a Man Amongst Boys in College Football
Unfortunately for the NFL, they’ll have to wait two more seasons before Smith can make the leap to the pros. Fortunately for college football fans and Ohio State Buckeye fans in particular, two more seasons of dominance should be ahead for the young receiver.
The current rule in place requires players to be removed from high school for at least three years before they can declare for the NFL Draft. Underclassmen who meet this mark and opt to forego their final season can request approval from the league to declare early.
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Smith is ready for the NFL — at this very moment. If he were to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, he very well could slot in as the No. 1 rated pass catcher in the class.
All the talents and play-making abilities of Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the big frame and athleticism of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan — all of it would be trumped by the potential and, quite frankly, the currently developed all-world skills that Smith has put on tape throughout his entire true freshman season.
For perspective, Buckeye teammate and fellow wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s considered the number two receiver on the team to Smith’s number one.
More than likely, Smith will forego his senior season to enter the league. Unless something unforeseen happens, expect him to be the first receiver drafted off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Smith is built like former All-Pro receiver Julio Jones. Each stands 6’3″ and weighs between 215 and 220 pounds. They even share a similar play style, simply overpowering defensive backs with their rare combination of speed and strength. Jones enjoyed an illustrious 13-year career in the league, ranking 16th in NFL history in receiving yards. Smith may be headed for a career much like that.
The college football world just watched him tear apart the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, leading the way for a 41-21 victory for the Buckeyes. His final stat line? A monster seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the hardest things to believe about Smith’s dominance is his age. He turned 19 on November 29, meaning he played a majority of Ohio State’s season at only 18 years old.
Up to this point, he’s caught 70 passes for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns, placing himself firmly in the conversation for best true freshman in college football history.
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It’ll be a treat to watch him compete in the college football landscape for two more seasons. Is a 2,000-yard season on the horizon?
The sky is the limit for Smith.
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