
Jeremiah Smith highlights: My favorite plays from WR's iconic freshman season
Jeremiah Smith arrived at Ohio State with all the fanfare and expectations that accompany a No. 1 overall recruit and 5-star wide receiver. If that wasn’t enough, Smith was already drawing comparisons to former All-Pro Julio Jones for his combination of size and speed before even stepping on campus.
Once in Columbus, the expectations for Smith’s season only skyrocketed. He wowed with some fantastic plays in practice while everyone on Ohio State’s coaching staff from Ryan Day to Brian Hartline and Chip Kelly praised the youngster for his composure, maturity and work ethic beyond his years.
Right out of the gate, Ohio State let the entire country know that Smith was going to be used as a primary weapon. He had 6 catches for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns in his collegiate debut vs. Akron, and the rest is history.
Smith went on to re-write Ohio State’s freshman record books in every category and set a Big Ten freshman record with 1,315 receiving yards and added 16 total touchdowns (15 receiving).
So, with that kind of season — including a national championship — which plays stood out from the rest? I’ve taken the time to compile 5 of my favorites with a quick analysis on why they stood out.
5. 70-yard TD vs. Western Michigan
JEREMIAH SMITH HIT THE JETS FOR THE TD ⚡️@ohiostatefb pic.twitter.com/TQ73HEfor6
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024
Ohio State faced Western Michigan in Week 2, and it was already clear Smith was in store for a big season based on his usage in Week 1. And while Smith showed he was the real deal as a deep ball receiver in his debut, it was this catch-and-run vs. the Broncos that solidified he was a total package receiver ready to wreck defenses.
This throw traveled just 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. At one point, Smith was surrounded by 4 white jerseys in what looked to be a short gain.
Instead, Smith showcased he has plenty of speed to lean on, outracing everybody and rolling 70 yards for the touchdown. This play was Smith’s longest from his freshman campaign.
4. One-hand TD grab vs. Iowa
UNREAL. JEREMIAH SMITH DID IT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/dHHGgdfeG5
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 5, 2024
Smith showed early — and often — that he was not scared to go up and attempt the one-handed grab, even in key moments. And if teams were willing to put their defensive backs in man coverage, Will Howard was going to give his big receiver a chance to make the play.
Facing Iowa, the Hawkeyes put their DBs in 1-on-1 position near the goal line, and that was costly. It wasn’t a bad play by the Hawkeye defender necessarily as he and Smith both went back-and-forth with the hand fighting in the end zone.
The difference was Smith’s size and strength to hold the defender off with one hand while securing the grab with another.
3. 2nd Rose Bowl TD vs. Oregon
Smith’s 2nd Rose Bowl touchdown vs. Oregon was a thing of beauty, but I don’t believe the receiver got enough love for how wide-open he was at the goal line.
Ohio State lined up Smith in the slot to keep the Ducks off balance, and a free release off the line put Smith in a 1-on-1 matchup vs. Oregon’s safety. Even with the defensive back starting the play shading Smith in the right direction, a quick jab step at full speed from Smith turned his man’s hips and led to the walk-in touchdown.
By the time Smith scored his 2nd touchdown in Pasadena, Oregon was out of answers — and time — to try and slow down the Buckeyes.
2. Multiple one-hand grabs + TD vs. Michigan State
JEREMIAH SMITH ARE YOU KIDDING?! 🤯
📺 Peacock | @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/wbhzKFPfWu
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 29, 2024
JEREMIAH SMITH ONE-HANDED CATCH FOR THE TD!!!@OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/ZbZ8vSLFGr
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 29, 2024
This is technically a 2-for-1, I get that. But Smith named one of his catches against Michigan State as his favorite from the season, and I’m not sure which one specifically he’s referring to.
The first involves a catch that begins as a one-handed grab before eventually securing it with 2 hands against his body. The level of difficulty is high, though, with Smith absorbing contact from 2 MSU defenders.
On that same drive, Smith capped things with a beautiful one-handed grab in the end zone. In terms of flawless execution, this play is about as flawless as you can get from a receiver with a one-handed catch in full stride for 6 points.
1. Title-clinching grab vs. Notre Dame
WILL HOWARD TO JEREMIAH SMITH TO ALL BUT ICE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/X7RwFblX0p
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) January 21, 2025
Smith’s iconic season contained many memorable plays, but none was bigger than his 56-yarder against Notre Dame. Facing a 3rd-and-11 with a one-possession lead over the Irish, Smith went deep in a 1-on-1 situation.
The outcome felt inevitable, and Smith’s clutch moment allowed the Buckeyes to tack on a national championship-finalizing field goal inside 30 seconds to play. An iconic moment to cap an iconic season for the freshman.