Five-star wide receiver, Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith showcases skill set in state championship

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is well-regarded as the place for premier wide receivers to go and perform.

The Buckeyes have the next generation of great receivers about to head to Columbus and it starts with Jeremiah Smith. The five-star Hollywood (Fla) Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver and Ohio State commit has somehow exceeded expectations all fall.

He capped off an incredible high school career with a head-turning performance in his state championship game. The No. 1 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings finished the game with 170 receiving yards and a touchdown on 11 catches. Smith finished his senior season with an incredible stat line.

1,376 receiving yards, 19 receiving touchdowns and 88 receptions. Smith also finished the year with 45 rushing yards and a rushing score, and 70 passing yards.

The Buckeyes’ prized commit put on a show in the state championship in front of Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. This is Hartline’s second trip to Florida in the contact period to see Smith. He was there last week to watch him play in the state semi-final game last Friday.

There is plenty of buzz regarding Smith as he makes his official visit to Florida State this weekend. Even though he will be in Tallahassee (again), Smith showed his hand just a bit as it relates to his recruitment.

“It’s just Ohio State. That’s what’s on my mind now,” he told reporters after winning the championship. “There are no other schools on my mind but Ohio State. I’m just taking a visit, an official visit to Florida State, that’s all.”

Jeremiah Smith committed to Ohio State on Dec. 14, 2022, and as of now, it still looks like he will honor that commitment. The early signing period opens on Dec. 20 and it is expected that the 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver will submit his letter of intent to the offices at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Smith highlights another impressive wide receiver haul for the Buckeyes. Five-star New Haven (Ind) wide receiver Mylan Graham and four-star St. Louis (Mo) Christian Brothers wideout Jeremiah McClellan make up the class for Hartline. Both Smith and McClellan will be early enrollees for Ohio State.

Ohio State shouldn’t have to hold its breath this weekend while Smith is at Florida State this weekend, either. He will be there, and head coach Ryan Day along with Hartline will be in New York City with star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Heisman ceremony.