Chip Kelly has coached top-tier talent at wide receiver in the NFL and college levels. It’s safe to say the 60-year-old Buckeyes’ OC — who many tabbed as an offensive savant when he brought a unique system to Oregon from 2007-2012 and became the highest scoring team, while amassing the most yards in program history — knows a thing or two about elite talent on offense.

On Tuesday, Kelly was asked specifically about true freshman WR Jeremiah Smith, who had 6 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first-ever collegiate game against Akron on Saturday.

“I’ve been around here since March, and he’s been doing a lot of really, really good things,” Kelly said. “I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone that he’s gonna be a featured guy in this offense. … I thought he played really, really well.”

Not only did Smith instantly become the headliner of the 2024 Ohio State recruiting class when he committed to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, but he was also the top-ranked player in the entire cycle by most major recruiting services, which is rare for a WR.

With key departures at WR from last year’s squad — most notably Marvin Harrison Jr. — Smith impressed enough this offseason to earn the trust of the coaching staff and become a primary target for starting QB Will Howard in Ohio State’s offense.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver has the perfect blend of size and speed and already showcased elite route running ability in Saturday’s win. In his first touchdown, he went up for a contested catch and was able to stay in bounds, a play that you would normally see from a savvy veteran. It sure seems like Ohio State has once again struck gold at the WR position.