Jeremiah Smith may only be a 19-year-old true freshman, but he’s already cemented himself as one of — if not the — best wide receivers in college football. By the time it’s his turn to come off the Ohio State Buckeyes NFL conveyor belt, he could be the best wide receiver in college football history.
When Is Jeremiah Smith Draft-Eligible?
Athletes must be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for the NFL Draft. Thus, Smith won’t be available for the annual selection event until the 2027 cycle at the earliest.
Competing at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, Smith capped his high school career with three straight state titles, 177 catches, 3,116 yards, and 46 touchdowns. A dual-sport athlete, he also dominated on the track, winning gold in the 110 and 400-meter hurdles at the 2022 Florida 1A meet.
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The No. 1 player in the 2024 recruiting cycle, Smith chose Ohio State over Miami, citing the Buckeyes’ reputation for developing first-round WRs under Brian Hartline. With names like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. preceding him, it’s difficult to argue against his decision — especially with what he’s done as a true freshman.
Entering the College Football Playoff, Smith had already rewrote Ohio State’s freshman receiving records with 57 receptions, 934 yards, and 10 touchdowns. But he’s taken his game to another level in the postseason.
After a 6-103-2 performance against Tennessee in the opening round, Smith erupted for a 5-161-2 line in just the first half vs. the top-seeded Oregon Ducks. With how well Smith has performed so far in his budding collegiate career, it’s fair to ask: How high will he hear his name called in the 2027 NFL Draft?
How High Could Smith Be Drafted?
Let me put it this way — Smith is one of the best overall WR prospects we’ve ever seen and would easily be the WR1 in the 2025 and 2026 NFL Draft classes.
Due to his frame (6’3″ and 215 pounds), physical style, and ability to threaten defenses vertically, Smith has already been compared to future NFL Hall of Famer Julio Jones. The scary part? Jones’ best season with the Alabama Crimson Tide was his last (78-1,133-7 line) — Smith has a chance to dwarf those numbers in his first year on the collegiate stage.
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Smith can win before the catch with his elite start/stop ability, decisive route running, and deceptive speed. He can win at the catch point with his body control, strong hands, and leaping prowess. And he can win after the catch with lateral agility, contact balance, and rapid acceleration.
What’s not to like?
We simply haven’t seen a WR as complete as early as Smith, and if you didn’t believe it before, you better believe after what he’s done to the nation’s No. 1 team in just one half.
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