Is the next Heisman Trophy headed back to Columbus? Don’t be surprised — Ohio State might have something brewing that’s bigger, faster, and more dominant than anything college football has seen since Troy Smith’s magical 2006 campaign.
Enter: Jeremiah Smith, the freakishly gifted wide receiver who could redefine what it means to be unstoppable.
The Buckeyes are fresh off a national title — a crowning achievement built on perhaps the deepest and most terrifying roster in the sport. But as they enter 2025, the conversation is shifting from collective dominance to individual brilliance — and all eyes are locked on the 6-foot-3, 215-pound phenom who might just be the most explosive playmaker in America.
The Rise of a Star: From Historic Recruit to Heisman Front-Runner
It’s not hyperbole. Jeremiah Smith wasn’t just the best wide receiver recruit in recent memory — some scouts called him the most NFL-ready high school receiver the sport had ever seen. And in just one season, he validated every whisper, every headline, every ounce of five-star hype.
His freshman campaign was nothing short of dazzling:
76 catches. 1,315 yards. 15 touchdowns.
And that’s while sharing the spotlight with first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and breakout talent Carnell Tate.
Now, with Egbuka off to the NFL and a reshuffled offense looking for a new identity, Smith is no longer sharing the spotlight. He is the spotlight. And in a year where the Buckeyes will need someone to carry the torch of offensive firepower, Jeremiah Smith is poised to ignite something truly historic.
Built Like a Superhero, Playing Like a Legend
Physically, Smith is a cheat code.
At 6’3″ and now bulked up after an intense offseason in the weight room, he combines the size of a tight end with the speed of a track star and the hands of a ballerina. His route-running is crisp, his separation off the line is surgical, and his ability to high-point a ball looks like something out of an NFL Films highlight reel.
There are stars. There are superstars.
And then there’s Jeremiah Smith — a player who defies position labels and leaves opposing defensive coordinators contemplating early retirement.
The Perfect Storm: A Pass-Heavy Offense and a New Quarterback with a Cannon
Here’s where things get even more interesting. With TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and Egbuka gone, Ohio State’s backfield is entering a phase of transition. Talented? Sure. But proven? Not yet.
That leaves a massive opportunity for head coach Ryan Day to put the ball in the air — early, often, and aggressively. And when Day designs an aerial attack, history tells us wideouts eat like kings.
Enter Julian Sayin, the five-star quarterback phenom who is expected to take the reins this fall. If Sayin delivers on his high-octane potential, Buckeye Nation could witness the birth of a quarterback-receiver duo that echoes the greatness of Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase, or Young to DeVonta Smith — but with even more upside.
Yes, even more.
Heisman Hardware Within Reach? History Says It’s Possible
Only four wide receivers in the entire history of the Heisman Trophy have won the award:
- Johnny Rodgers (Nebraska, 1972)
- Tim Brown (Notre Dame, 1987)
- Desmond Howard (Michigan, 1991)
- DeVonta Smith (Alabama, 2020)
Could Jeremiah Smith become the fifth? All signs point toward yes.
Not only is he the most dominant player on what should still be one of the top two or three teams in the country, but his stat line may skyrocket to video game numbers now that he’s the undisputed WR1. In an era where voters are hungry for dynamic, highlight-driven talent, Smith’s weekly reel will be appointment viewing.
And there’s an irony that can’t be ignored: the last Buckeye to win the Heisman — Troy Smith — just so happens to share the same last name. Call it coincidence. Call it fate. But if this Jeremiah Smith continues to torch defenses at this rate, they may have to start engraving the trophy now.
The Real Threat? Not Just the Stats, but the Swagger
What separates Heisman winners from stat-compilers is the it factor. Smith doesn’t just play the part. He owns it. Every snap, every route, every catch carries an aura of inevitability — the sense that something seismic is about to happen.
He’s not chasing greatness. He’s expecting it.
And in a sport where the margins are razor-thin, and pressure drowns all but the elite, Jeremiah Smith thrives in the spotlight like it’s a second home.
The Verdict: A New Heisman Hero May Be on the Horizon
With a revamped offense, a five-star quarterback, and national championship expectations still burning in Columbus, Jeremiah Smith’s Heisman campaign won’t be subtle — it’ll be thunderous.
Ohio State may struggle to fully replace its defensive stalwarts or recreate last year’s championship magic. But in Jeremiah Smith, they’ve got a player capable of carrying the banner, electrifying fans, and rewriting the record books in real-time.
The Buckeyes conquered the college football world in 2024. In 2025, Jeremiah Smith may conquer it all by himself.
And when December rolls around, don’t be surprised if the Downtown Athletic Club echoes with two familiar words once again:
“Ohio State.”
