The nation’s top-ranked player officially committing to Ohio State gives the team even more momentum as it looks to hold onto its ranking among the best in the nation.
Jeremiah Smith, a five-star wide receiver rated by Rivals.com, reportedly upheld his verbal pledge to Ohio State by declaring at lunchtime on Wednesday that he would sign a contract with the Buckeyes. Naturally, it was the first day that college-bound high school recruits could really write letters of intent to their preferred universities. Although Smith didn’t actually sign his letter of commitment for many hours, Ohio State declared on Wednesday night that he was a part of their recruiting class.
Although it might surprise you, Smith has formally committed to Ohio State since December 2022. Nevertheless, considering his reputation, many other universities were trying to persuade the Florida native to choose them over the Buckeyes. That turns out not to be the case, and as a result, the wide receiver will now become a member of Ohio State’s illustrious wide receiving corps. Consider players that were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, such as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and who we have seen in recent years emerge as instant contributors. Of course, there is Marvin Harrison Jr., a Heisman finalist, who is predicted by many to be selected among the top five picks in the 2024 NFL Draft if and when he
The Buckeyes had to deal with the loss of a recruit in the shape of four-star wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan, who committed to Oregon on Wednesday morning, despite the obviously loud clamor surrounding Smith’s announcement. After verbally committing to Ohio State for the previous four months, the nation’s No. 36 prospect made the decision to move to the North West. As one might expect, Ohio State is especially focused on the 2023 early signing period as it prepares to take on Michigan in the Big 10.
More significantly, the Wolverines’ victories over the Buckeyes in the last week of the regular season have led to the division’s last three titles. In other words, something needs to alter. Now that Ohio State has signed Smith and two other five-star recruits, defensive end Eddrick Houston and quarterback Air Noland, they have the third-best recruiting class in the nation. Soon after Smith’s announcement, the DE also made his own on Wednesday, the signal-caller signing with the Buckeyes earlier in the day.
Smith’s unusual mix of size, speed, and hands make him an absolute bully at the catch point who will cause opponents fits, according to 247Sports, who also likened him to Julio Jones. Though not always the largest child, he now has a more college-ready build at about 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds. Given his enormous features, it seems unlikely that he will gain more weight in the near future. In terms of stats, Smith concluded his high school career with almost 3,000 yards receiving at South Florida’s dominant Chaminade-Madonna Prep. He hauled in 88 receptions for 1,376 yards as a senior, helping his squad to a 14-0 record.
