Scarlet Sunrise: Jeremiah Smith clocks out as No. 1 overall prospect in 2024 On300

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom01/30/24

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Jeremiah Smith clocks out as No. 1 overall prospect in 2024 On300

On3 updated its 2024 recruiting rankings one final time Monday, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith officially became the network’s No. 1 overall prospect in the cycle.

Smith was already the No. 1 overall prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking, but now On3 itself has bumped Smith up from No. 2 to No. 1.

Smith is also a five-star plus+ recruit, meaning that he’s rated as a five-star prospect by all four major recruiting services. He’s a prototypical X receiver with an impressive blend of size and speed at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Smith is a fluid route runner and a contested catch winner.

The Hollywood, Florida, native broke out as a junior at Chaminade-Madonna, reeling in 58 passes for 1,073 yards and 20 touchdowns en route to a state title.

Smith’s recruitment was high profile to say the least.

It included twists and turns with a hard push from Miami up until December’s National Signing Day, but he stayed true to his word after committing to Ohio State a year earlier.

“He never wavered. His family never wavered,” Ohio State co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline said last month. “He can say what he wants two minutes before the hat came out. But he always told me the same thing. His parents always told me the same thing.”

Hartline added: “His family’s loyal. They always did what they said. And I can’t thank them enough. And and I’ll tell you, I’m really excited for him. We’ll see him here in a couple weeks.”

Smith is one of 15 first-year Buckeyes players who enrolled early. He’s currently going through winter workouts and is expected to generate buzz in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center from the jump, similar to how Carnell Tate made an immediate impression last offseason.

“He’s a quiet kid,” Ohio State star receiver Emeka Egbuka said of Smith last month. “But, you know, those are usually the good type, the locked-in type. So I’m excited to see what his career holds here at Ohio State.”

RELATED

Roster Reset: Evaluating Buckeyes defensive tackle room

Lettermen Row‘s “Roster Reset” series continues with a look inside the Buckeyes’ defensive tackle room, which is headlined by draft-eligible returners Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton.

But there is a lot to like beyond those expected starters.

Ohio State has some intriguing pieces who could vie for the role Hamilton had the last couple seasons as a go-to third option on the interior of the defensive line.

A strong rotation is always key for longtime D-Line coach Larry Johnson. For a look at what the Buckeyes’ depth chart at the position could be next season, head on over here.

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Who’s next? Predicting next three potential Ohio State commitments

Ohio State has added three new commits to its 2025 recruiting class in January. It’s still early, but that class is already No. 2 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Five-star Houston (Texas) North Shore cornerback Devin Sanchez committed earlier this month. Then four-star Philadelphia (Pa) Imhotep Institute EDGE Zahir Mathis pledged. Four-star Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer offensive tackle Carter Lowe joined in on the fun over the weekend.

Lettermen Row examines three prospects who could be the next to commit to Ohio State.

Check it out here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Akron: 214 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 305 days

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