Jeremiah Smith exploded onto the national scene in 2024 as a freshman at Ohio State. The wide receiver immediately became a key contributor for the Buckeyes and led the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

After the incredible season, many expected the star WR to win the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Instead, the award went to Texas defensive lineman Colin Simmons. Smith responded after missing out on winning the award.

“I mean, Colin is a great player as well. I can’t really knock him. Shaun is a great guy. I talked to him two weeks ago. He’s a great guy. I learned a lot of things from him outside of football as well,” Smith said. “I really can’t focus on that. I’m just worried about beating Oregon and going out there to Pasadena and putting on a show.”

Like Smith, Simmons also led his team in at least 1 category as well. The freshman DL led the elite Longhorns’ defense with 8 sacks. Simmons also racked up 39 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 3 forced fumbles.

Simmons’ incredible debut helped the Longhorns end the regular season with the No. 3 total defense in the nation.

The Shaun Alexander Award has been given out annually since 2018 to the top freshman in FBS. Trevor Lawrence won the inaugural award in 2018 while Caleb Downs won it last season.