In 2024, Jeremiah Smith was already the king of college football as a true freshman, but the Ohio State star says he is just getting started. He had an impressive rookie season, in which he registered 76 receptions, 1,315 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns. Smith has let the Big Ten and especially Michigan know that he will be giving them something to remember in 2025.
The Buckeyes’ wide receiver is entering his second season, and he claims that he is ready to run at full speed. On Friday, Eleven Warriors reported that Smith acknowledged that there were instances last season when he did not play at his best. However, with more experience and confidence under his belt now, he believes the best is yet to come.
“It’s gonna be scary this year,” Smith said about his upcoming season, according to Eleven Warriors reporter Chase Brown.
Jeremiah Smith said there were games last season in which he “hesitated” and didn’t always play as fast as he’s capable of playing. Entering 2025, he has complete confidence in himself and wants to show what he can do at full speed.
“It’s gonna be scary this year,” he said.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) August 1, 2025
Smith’s 2024 campaign contributed to Ohio State’s national championship, yet it was not ideal for him. His most frustrating experience was the game against arch-rivals Michigan Wolverines, which Ohio lost 13-10, but Smith received five passes while gaining 35 yards. He still carries that result on his shoulders.
Jeremiah Smith Promises He’ll Never Lose to Michigan Again
The championship season finished with confetti for Ohio, but the memory of the loss to “that team up north” is still fresh in Smith’s mind. In an interview with The Athletic, the 19-year-old was categorical that he will not lose to Michigan again in his lifetime.
“I’m not a sore loser, but I hate losing, and losing to that team up north was pretty crazy. I just hate them. Just something about them. For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them. I can’t lose to them in the next two years,” Smith said.
This way of thinking from Smith is the new frontier of Columbus. The Buckeyes are once again the Big Ten favorites under second-year starter Devin Brown and a reloaded offense, and Smith is becoming the emotional and vocal leader of the group.
Performing statistically is not the only promise he has made to his fans. It is about pride, rivalries, and delivering a message to the rest of the country. Smith understands that being the ruler on Saturdays in the Big Ten goes beyond making highlight catches; it is completing the task against your arch nemesis.
Ohio State requires Smith’s fire now more than ever, as Michigan has won the previous three games against the Buckeyes. When he puts it together to that next level, the Buckeyes will be almost impossible to beat.
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