Before Jeremiah Smith could record a regular-season snap for the Buckeyes, EA Sports distinguished him from other members of the 2024 class.
On Monday, EA Sports named Smith the top-rated freshman in EA Sports College Football 25 at 85 overall. The Ohio State wide receiver ranks above Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV (83 overall), Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (82 overall), Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (80 overall) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (80 overall), among others.
The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 class, Smith hails from Chaminade-Madonna Prep, where he collected 177 receptions for 3,116 yards and 46 touchdowns for the Lions. Since he arrived on Ohio State's campus in January, Smith has impressed his coaches and teammates.
“You’ve seen the talent. The talent is there. The thing that’s been the most impressive to me so far is the discipline he’s built in his life and the skill of playing the position at such a young age," Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said in March. "He and (Brian Hartline) will continue to build on that and grow on that. But he’s had a great approach so far. We are certainly expecting big things from him.”
Smith shed his black stripe after four practices with the Buckeyes – the fastest ever for a freshman in spring football, surpassing Carnell Tate's record of four practices in 2023. The accomplishment was well-earned, according to Ohio State co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who said Smith's "veteran-like" approach quickly won over the team's wide receiver room.
“I love the way he lives," Hartline said. "I love the way he approaches things. I love the way he asks questions. I love the way he makes mistakes and corrects mistakes. It's very veteran-like.”
Even after Smith shed his black stripe, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound pass-catcher continued to shine in spring practices. A clear standout in Ohio State's annual Student Appreciation Day scrimmage, Smith also had several impressive catches go viral on the Buckeyes' various social media accounts.
Jeremiah Smith pic.twitter.com/8tG66Yltsn
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 6, 2024
Smith ties Carnell Tate as Ohio State's second-highest-rated wide receiver in EA Sports College Football 25 at 85 overall. Emeka Egbuka leads the receivers at 93 overall as Smith, Tate, Brandon Inniss (all 82 overall), Jayden Ballard (79 overall), Kojo Antwi (77 overall), Bryson Rodgers (75 overall) and a fictional character named Neo Flowers (72 overall) round out the position room.
