Dan Lanning knows his Oregon team had its hands full with Ohio State phenom Jeremiah Smith. After 100 yards in a touchdown in the first meeting between the two sides, Smith was somehow even better in the Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal on Wednesday.

All Smith did in Pasadena was explode for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Ducks — in the first half alone. He finished with the best receiving game in Ohio State history for a true freshman with 187 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Buckeyes blew out Oregon in a revenge game for the ages.

After the game, Lanning was asked what aspect of Oregon’s game plan failed in limiting Smith. The head coach simply gave Smith the ultimate respect, referring to the freshman as NFL-ready at just 19 years old.

“He’s strong, he attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I’ve ever seen. I mean, the guy’s NFL-ready. He’s that talented, he’s very special,” described Lanning. “And, you know, Will Howard did a good job of getting the ball to him tonight. He’s tough to defend, he’s physical. He’s got all the tools, so he’s a really talented player.”

Lanning is far from the only individual to hold that view. NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler compared Smith to former All-Pro Julio Jones and said Smith would be the No. 1 pick if eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, Smith will not be eligible for the NFL until 2027, but fellow draft expert Todd McShay says the Buckeye is already the top wideout in the country.

For what it’s worth, Smith put Oregon on notice ahead of the Rose Bowl. He was straightforward in telling the entire country that the Buckeyes were ready to take their shots if the Ducks played man coverage, and Ohio State did just that.

Smith has been a game-changer all season long, yet many wondered why Ohio State didn’t target the electric receiver even more in big games. That has changed in the Playoff.

In the wins against Tennessee and Oregon, Smith recorded 290 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, including the game-opening score in both matchups. He has been setting the tone early and often for the Buckeyes, and he’ll try to keep that trend rolling against Texas.