Another college football season is officially in the books, and what a magical ride it was. From unexpected upsets to breakout stars and championship drama, the 2025 campaign delivered everything fans could ask for. But in college football, the end of one season only signals the beginning of the next conversation.
Yes, already, the sport’s attention is shifting toward 2026.
Jeremiah Smith Is a Heisman-Worthy Talent at Wide Receiver
Early rankings, national championship outlooks, and roster projections are flooding timelines, but there’s no better place to start than with the most prestigious individual award in the sport: the Heisman Trophy. And in an era shaped by NIL, where elite talent is choosing to return to campus instead of bolting for the NFL, the field has never been deeper or more dangerous.
Among those names, one stands out early.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is already being tipped as a legitimate Heisman contender for 2026, with PFSN analyst Alec Elijah predicting that the Buckeyes’ star could follow in the historic footsteps of Travis Hunter and DeVonta Smith as a receiver capable of dominating the national conversation.
While Hunter was a unicorn, an elite two-way force on both offense and defense, his impact as a wide receiver was undeniable. And DeVonta Smith? His 2020 season at Alabama may still be the gold standard for receiver dominance in college football history. Smith posted a near-perfect PFSN CFB WR Impact Grade of 99.7, a season so overwhelming it forced voters to rethink what a Heisman campaign could look like at the position.
Now, Jeremiah Smith is knocking on that same door.
Elijah didn’t mince words when breaking down Smith’s trajectory:
“Arguably the most polished wide receiver at his age, Jeremiah Smith has rewritten the Ohio State record books at a rapid pace. He became the fastest Buckeye to reach 2,000 career receiving yards in just 24 games, surpassed 100 career receptions in only 20 games, and hit the 25-touchdown mark by his 25th appearance.
“With 2026 likely marking Smith’s final season in Columbus, the stakes are even higher. He has been viewed as a generational wide receiver prospect since his arrival on campus…”
That’s lofty praise, and it’s earned.
Ohio State’s Star WR Ready To Shine Even Brighter
Despite what many would label a “down year” by his own sky-high standards, Smith still finished inside the top 10 nationally in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2025. He also recorded an impressive top-five PFSN CFB WR Impact Grade of 85.1, numbers that would define a career season for most receivers.
For Smith, it was merely a baseline.
Those close to the program know he believes there’s another gear, and if he finds it in 2026, the Heisman race may not be particularly close. Smith has the rare combination of elite physical traits, refined route-running, and an advanced understanding of leverage and coverage, allowing him to take over games at will.
Just as important, the environment around him is ideal.
Quarterback Julian Sayin returns to Columbus after posting the best completion percentage in the country, paired with a top-five PFSN CFB QB Impact Grade. When Sayin and Smith are on the field together, the football rarely touches the turf. That chemistry, combined with Ohio State’s talent-laden offense, puts Smith in a prime position to put up video-game numbers every week.
The narrative is already there. The production is already there. And the motivation, to cement his legacy as one of the most excellent Buckeye receivers ever, couldn’t be stronger.
College football fans should buckle up.
If 2025 felt special, 2026 might somehow raise the bar even higher. And if Jeremiah Smith hits his ceiling, New York City in December may already have its headline written.
