Being the best isn’t enough for Jeremiah Smith. After dominating college football and helping Ohio State capture a national championship as a freshman, the star wide receiver discovered something surprising: his biggest opponent wasn’t on the field.
It was in the drive-through line. What he changed this offseason could be the difference between repeating as champions and falling short.
What Bad Habit Did Jeremiah Smith Finally Address This Offseason?
After a season where he won a national title, averaged 17.3 yards per catch, and scored 16 total touchdowns (one rushing, 15 receiving), Smith solidified himself as a true playmaker for the Buckeyes. However, behind all that elite production was a daily routine that needed fixing.
According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, the All-American wide receiver changed his nutrition approach. Smith admitted his eating habits weren’t championship-caliber.
“I was eating fast food probably daily throughout the season. It was bad,” Smith revealed.
Feldman continued in his profile, “Now, with the help of a nutritionist, he’s got a meal plan. Smith’s avoiding red meat and eating a lot of salmon, rice, and broccoli.”
The transformation represents more than just dietary discipline. Nutrition affects many aspects of an athlete’s performance, from muscle recovery to mental clarity.
The protein from salmon helps with muscle growth and cognitive function, while foods high in trans fats ultimately make athletes sluggish. As a deep threat who banks on the ability to pull away from cornerbacks, Smith needs every advantage possible.
How Will Smith’s Changes Impact Ohio State’s Championship Defense?
Smith saved his best work for the final stretch of the 2024-25 season. Michigan locked the then-freshman down, holding him to five catches, 35 yards, and a score. From there, Smith carried the team the rest of the way, grabbing 19 passes for 381 yards and five touchdowns as Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23 to win the College Football Playoff trophy.
Now, with a metaphorical target on his back, Smith becomes the key to the Buckeyes repeating. The challenge becomes even greater considering the roster changes around him. Quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka have moved on to the NFL.
Ohio State faces a demanding schedule that will test Smith’s improved conditioning. They host Texas in the season opener in Columbus before games against Washington, Minnesota, and Illinois kick off their conference slate.
While none of those three contests look particularly daunting, road trips to Seattle are never easy due to the travel and the intensity of the crowd. Additionally, Ohio State welcomes Penn State to town on November 1, and the season finale will take place in Michigan.
Armed with his new diet but working with new teammates, Smith faces the ultimate question: can he replicate last season’s championship-winning results while maintaining his elite level of play?
