Texas defensive end Colin Simmons, not Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, was named the best freshman in college football on Thursday.
Simmons, who’s recorded 39 total tackles with eight sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in 14 games for the Longhorns this season, was named Thursday as the recipient of the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, which the Maxwell Football Club presents to the nation’s best freshman.
Congratulations to Colin Simmons, EDGE, University of Texas! You are the 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman Football Player of the Year.@ColinSimmons__ joins our awesome family of award-winning athletes.
— Shaun Alexander (@shaunalexander) December 26, 2024
2018: @Trevorlawrencee
2019: @KENNETHGAINWEL
2020: @will_anderson28 pic.twitter.com/307m5E6Tu6
That announcement drew plenty of reactions from Ohio State fans who were shocked that the award went to anyone but Smith.
What in the actual f***?! pic.twitter.com/kDu2WgWaWh
— Buckeye Irrationalist (@BuckeyeRational) December 26, 2024
Buckeye fans had good reason to advocate on Smith’s behalf as the Ohio State rookie has had one of the best seasons ever for a freshman wide receiver. He’s shattered the Buckeyes’ freshman records by catching 63 passes for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns, immediately establishing himself as one of the sport’s most dynamic playmakers.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart and Minnesota safety Koi Perich were also finalists for the award.
While Smith didn’t win the Shaun Alexander Award, he’s received several other awards for his elite play this season including the Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards and the 247Sports True Freshman of the Year award.
He’ll have the opportunity to continue building upon his spectacular freshman season when Ohio State plays Oregon in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day (5 p.m., ESPN). If the Buckeyes beat the Ducks and Texas earns a Peach Bowl win over Arizona State, Smith and Simmons would go head-to-head in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
