On January 20th, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes offense faced a 3rd down and 11 yards to go at midfield against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense. The Buckeyes were holding on to a 31-23 lead late in the fourth quarter of the NCAA National Championship Game. On that play Notre Dame blitzed Buckeyes’ quarterback Will Howard. Howard threw a deep pass that looked like a prayer or a Hail Mary. But it was designed pass play and completion to freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith. The completion sealed the National Championship for Ohio Sate after a short field goal by the Buckeyes. The play went down in Ohio State history as the third and Jeremiah. Jeremiah Smith in 2024 was a star true freshman receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

In 2024 Jeremiah Smith had 76 receptions, for 1315 yards, and 15 touchdowns as a freshman. The 19-year-old Miami Florida native is expected to be even better his sophomore year at Ohio State. He has room to grow athletically being as young as he is. But there may be concerns about a sophomore jinx for the 2025 season.

All reports from Columbus are that Jeremiah Smith is putting in the work to become an elite college football receiver. He has been doing and saying all the right things this offseason. The Ohio State offense is expected to be led by sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin’s performance would have a direct effect on Smith’s output this season. There are some factors that are beyond Jeremiah Smith’s control. Also, Ohio State has a new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline this season. But don’t forget that this is Ohio State, and they have the one of the best rosters in college football. I would expect the Buckeyes to be in the college football playoffs this December. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jeremiah Smith as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy this season and he could win that trophy too. Ohio State fans would also like to win the National Championship Trophy in consecutive years. It is possible that Smith could win the Heisman in consecutive years as well. That last player to do that was Buckeyes legendary running back Archie Griffin 50 years ago. Why not have another Buckeye do it?