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Jeremiah Smith Earns NFL-Caliber Comparisons and Top-Player Praise at Big Ten Media Days

Enjoying college life, Smith is pressing for a re-examination of the three-year eligibility rule set against his record freshman breakout.

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Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) warms up before the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Overview

  • At Big Ten Media Days, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti likened Smith to Julio Jones, calling him “a weapon” with flexibility and speed that rival the NFL great.
  • SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum declared Smith the best player in college football and urged Ohio State to feature him more after his 76 receptions, 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman.
  • Ohio State coach Ryan Day highlighted Smith’s offseason gains in size, strength and speed, noting that he sets the standard at every workout without needing extra motivation.
  • Smith honored Cris Carter as the greatest wide receiver in Ohio State history and named Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ted Ginn Jr. to his own Buckeye Mount Rushmore.
  • His name, image and likeness value is pegged at $4.2 million, and Smith says he’s in no rush to turn pro as he calls for a review of the NCAA’s three-year rule.