Jeremiah Smith, a freshman wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has had an exceptional debut season, earning multiple accolades for his outstanding performance. He was honored as the Big Ten’s Receiver of the Year and Freshman of the Year, becoming only the second player to secure both titles in the same season, following Purdue’s Rondale Moore in 2018.
Throughout the season, Smith shattered Ohio State freshman records, amassing 76 receptions, 1,315 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. His 1,315 receiving yards also set a new Big Ten record for a freshman. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Buckeyes to their first national championship in a decade.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Smith was overlooked for some national freshman awards. The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) named South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers as the Offensive Freshman of the Year, and the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award was given to Texas edge defender Colin Simmons.
Nevertheless, Smith’s impact did not go unrecognized. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit honored him as the “2024 Newcomer of the Year” in his annual Herbie Awards. Additionally, Smith was named a first-team All-American by ESPN and earned a spot on the FWAA Freshman All-America team.
Smith’s season was highlighted by several standout performances. In the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, he recorded seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns, earning the game’s Offensive MVP honors. In the College Football Playoff National Championship against Notre Dame, Smith secured a critical 56-yard reception on a third-and-11 play, effectively sealing a 34-23 victory for the Buckeyes.
Looking ahead, Smith’s future in college football appears exceptionally bright. His freshman year has set a high standard, and he is anticipated to continue being a dominant force for Ohio State in the coming seasons.
