Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith took the college football world by storm in 2024, torching defenses and putting together one of the most impressive freshman seasons in recent memory. After just one year, he is already a household name and enters 2025 as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.
His talent is unquestionable, and one analyst recently praised him in a conversation with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, comparing Smith to one of the NFL’s top receivers. Day responded by highlighting the young wideout’s exceptional work ethic.
Analyst Compares Jeremiah Smith to NFL Star as HC Ryan Day Highlights Key Trait
Big Ten Media Days are underway, giving reporters access to the conference’s coaches and players. One of the most heavily interviewed figures on the opening day was Day, who is coming off a national championship win with the Buckeyes.
Day appeared on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” to discuss Ohio State’s outlook for the upcoming season, with one of the main topics being standout sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
During the conversation, host Colin Cowherd praised Smith highly, telling Day that he once believed former LSU star Ja’Marr Chase was the best young receiver he had ever seen, but that changed after watching Smith play.
“A couple of years ago, I said on this show, Ja’Marr Chase was a pro when he was a sophomore at LSU,” Cowherd said. “I said he’s playing on Saturdays. That guy would be a No. 1 on Sundays as a sophomore. He’s the best young receiver I’ve ever seen. And then I watched Jeremiah Smith, and I’m like, oh no, he’s better.”
It’s high praise considering Ja’Marr Chase is one of the NFL’s best receivers and was dominant at LSU. Chase’s sophomore season with the Tigers stands as one of the best in college football history, with 84 catches for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns during LSU’s 2019 championship run.
Smith’s freshman numbers were not quite as high but still impressive. He had 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to a national championship with Ohio State.
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After praising Smith, Cowherd asked Ryan Day how he keeps a player who knows he’s great disciplined. Day’s response was simple, explaining that the superstar receiver does that on his own.
“He’s self-motivated,” Day said. “He brings it every day.” He later added, “For someone as talented as he is, he has a tremendous amount of discipline and skill in his life.”
Talent is one thing, but having the drive to keep improving even when you may already be the best is a rare and powerful trait, especially in a player like Smith. As he enters his sophomore season with very high expectations, there is little doubt from Day that Smith will rise to the challenge.
