Ryan Day on Jeremiah Smith being best offensive player in college football: ‘I don’t think it’s even close’

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to dazzle on a weekly basis. He’s matching his production from a year ago so far, which is a remarkable feat considering he totaled 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

Coach Ryan Day had a bold proclamation after the team’s 42-3 win over Minnesota on Saturday. But maybe not as bold as you think.

“I don’t think it’s even close that Jeremiah Smith is the best offensive player in college football,” Day said. “If it’s close, I’d like to know who it is. But when you’re a receiver, it’s different than when you’re a quarterback. And coverage can dictate different things, but Jeremiah just keeps playing over and over again, has an unbelievable attitude.”

Jeremiah Smith’s patience as a receiver is one of the things that sets him apart. But so does his work ethic. Day praised that immensely.

With 35 catches for 463 yards and six scores already, as well as a 17-yard touchdown run to his name, Smith is once again producing. As a result, Ohio State is unbeaten and a favorite to reach the playoffs again with a chance to defend its national title.

Day wanted to make sure his star wideout knows how valued he is. He means the world to the Buckeyes.

“I know the fans appreciate that, but it’s also good to hear, I think, from us coaches just how he practices every day,” Day said. “And the same thing with Carnell (Tate). Carnell’s seeing Jeremiah do a lot of different things and now you see Carnell take the next step. But he does that every day in practice. He does a lot of the dirty work. He does a lot of the blocking, and now you’re seeing him show up.”

The receiver group at Ohio State is likely as good and as talented as any other unit in the country. Jeremiah Smith leads the bunch, but everyone can play.

More importantly, everyone competes. Every day.

“All of these guys are very prideful, all of them want the ball, all of them have expectations,” Day said. “And to see the unselfishness each week of a bunch of guys that just want to win, like that’s winning football in a day and age that there’s a lot that’s going on.”