The question is no longer whether the receiver will live up to the hype. It’s whether the hype will live up to him.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content and our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
At this time last year, one unanswered question seemed to be on the lips of every Ohio State fan: “Will Jeremiah Smith live up to the hype?”
In what turned out to be a record-breaking season, Smith not only lived up to the hype. He far exceeded it, breaking the Buckeyes’ freshman records for the most receptions, touchdowns, and yards, tallying 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns on 76 receptions for an average of 82.2 receiving yards per game en route to winning a national title.
Now, there’s a new unanswered question: “How far can he go?”
Smith’s freshman numbers will be tough to top for a variety of factors. The “sophomore slump” is common, and in Smith’s case, not only did he set an outrageous bar for himself to clear, but he will have to clear it with a new starting quarterback.
Though Will Howard was also in his first year with the Buckeyes last season, both Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz (who are in what appears to be a two-man battle for the starting job) will step into the position with less starting experience than Howard. This could lead to an adjustment period for Smith and the rest of the receiving corps and could potentially lead to a more conservative offensive strategy in general as the new quarterback finds their sea legs.
Additionally, because of Smith’s prolific freshman season and the high profile he’s bringing with him into his sophomore year, he has a different kind of target on his back now than he did a year ago. It’s not that opposing defenses ignored him last season; it’s just that everyone was still figuring out what the hype was about.
The Buckeyes also remain absolutely loaded with offensive weapons, boasting a receiver room that includes Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss in addition to Smith, as well as new tight end Max Klare and a whole lot of strong running backs. Because of the additional attention he’ll be getting from opposing defenses, it could ultimately mean he doesn’t get as many touches (though if anyone can blow past that kind of coverage, it’s Smith).
BUT…
This is also Jeremiah Smith we’re talking about.
Smith seemed to live up to the whole “once-in-a-generation talent” thing last season, so don’t be surprised if he takes last year’s records and smashes them to bits.
The beauty of Smith’s athleticism is that he makes completely freakish things look easy. He’s been praised for his dedication and work ethic, but he manages to give the impression that it’s something he could do while sleeping and with one hand tied behind his back.
In 2024—while sharing touches with Emeka Egbuka—Smith boasted the fourth-highest receiving yards in the FBS, with 1,315. Egbuka, for comparison, clocked in at No. 28 on that list despite his own exceptional talent and five additional receptions.
Whether his numbers drop slightly or whether he sets new records altogether, I don’t think we’ve even begun to get close to the ceiling of what Smith is capable of.