Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams both stood out as true freshmen last season. There’s an ongoing debate as to which receiver is better, but four-star Oklahoma quarterback commit Jaden O’Neal recently chimed in uniquely.
Jaden O’Neal Chooses Jeremiah Smith Over Ryan Williams On Autographed Trading Card
“Check out this @Leaf_Cards inscription pulled in shop today! JJ Smith > Ryan Williams,” Ryan Patterson, the owner of TitleTown Sports Cards in Marietta, Ohio, wrote Sunday on X.
Check out this @Leaf_Cards inscription pulled in shop today!
JJ Smith > Ryan Williams @Cardcollector2 @MarzCardz1 @bigjohnscards24 pic.twitter.com/smZ8k1LeXy
— Ryan (@RyanPatterson30) June 15, 2025
After arriving with the Buckeyes as the Class of 2024’s No. 1 overall recruit, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Smith was dominant. He bobbled just one pass the entire season and led the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,315) and touchdown catches (15).
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard looked in his direction with the College Football Playoff national championship hanging in the balance against Notre Dame. Smith caught a game-clinching 57-yard pass in the fourth quarter, sealing the deal for the Buckeyes to win the championship.
On3’s Andy Staples compared Smith to 2003 Heisman Trophy runner-up and Pitt legend Larry Fitzgerald earlier this month.
“Jeremiah Smith, undoubtedly the best receiver in college football, maybe the best receiver in college football in a long, long time,” Staples said. “The only name I actually hear him compared to that even makes sense is Larry Fitzgerald. It’s pretty lofty, but I don’t feel like it’s overblown. I think Jeremiah Smith is potentially better than Larry Fitzgerald in college.”
Williams, meanwhile, was a game-breaker for Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide. His leaping, spinning, 75-yard touchdown reception against Georgia might have been the most thrilling highlight of last season. Williams paced his team with 865 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches.
Smith and Williams met up earlier this offseason to pose for the cover of EA College Football 26. The pair isn’t as concerned with comparisons as those who watch them. Williams detailed what the two conversed about while they had their pictures taken.
“Whenever we were in Pasadena, of course, we talked about last season and him winning a national championship,” Williams told Staples earlier this month. “I was super happy for him. But we both agreed that, although last year was super fun, super great and we both had very good freshmen seasons, we left a lot on the table. And we both agreed on that.
“Just with that experience from last season, we’re super excited (about) what’s to come this season.”
Both receivers will help break new quarterbacks in this upcoming season. Alabama’s race is between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell. Ohio State will trot out Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, or Tavien St. Clair.
