Overview

• After the Buckeyes’ first preseason practice, Smith said he has shed the hesitation that slowed him at times as a freshman and now feels fully confident in his playmaking
• In an ESPN SportsCenter segment, the receiver revealed that campus fame has curtailed his mobility, forcing him to rely on home deliveries instead of on-campus shopping
• As a freshman he set Ohio State records with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards, 15 receiving touchdowns and added a rushing score
• His breakout season earned him Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, First-team All-American honors and the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP award
• Leveraging NCAA NIL reforms, Smith signed a major endorsement deal with Adidas this offseason, illustrating growing athlete autonomy