Ohio State Buckeyes’ wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has made a shocking announcement that has left fans and head coach Ryan Day speechless. According to recent reports, Smith has declared his intention to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft immediately after his freshman season.
This move has sent shockwaves through the NCAA community, given Smith’s exceptional talent and potential as a future NFL superstar. As a consensus five-star recruit, Smith’s commitment to Ohio State was seen as a program-defining moment, signaling a new era of offensive dominance.
*Jeremiah Smith’s Achievements:*
– *2024 Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year*: Smith was named the Big Ten’s top receiver, showcasing his impressive skills on the field.
– *Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year*: He received this honor for his outstanding performance as a freshman, leading Ohio State in receiving yards (974) and touchdowns (10).
– *Team Leader*: Despite the presence of NFL prospect Emeka Egbuka, Smith emerged as the main option in the passing game for the Buckeyes ¹.
Smith’s decision to pursue an NFL career comes after a remarkable freshman season, where he broke onto the scene and became a top option for quarterback Will Howard. His exceptional speed, elite route-running ability, and remarkable athleticism had scouts and analysts projecting him as a future NFL star.
*Coach Ryan Day’s Reaction:*
While initially shocked by the announcement, Coach Day quickly transitioned to a supportive stance, acknowledging Smith’s exceptional talent and potential. “Jeremiah is an exceptional talent, and we respect his decision,” Day commented. “While we are disappointed that he will not be with us for an extended period, we wish him nothing but the best in his professional career. He has the potential to be a generational player.”
The sudden departure of Smith leaves a significant void in the Buckeyes’ offense, and the team will need to adapt to his absence. Nevertheless, Smith’s gratitude to the Ohio State coaching staff and teammates was evident in his statement, where he expressed appreciation for the support he received during his time at the university ².
