Living up to the hype as a five-star high school football recruit isn’t always easy. However, watching a player like Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith might change your perception.
Smith, who is from Opa Locka, Florida and attended Chaminade-Madonna High School, was the top-ranked college football recruit in the class of 2024.
He committed to Ohio State early, and despite interest from Georgia and Florida’s ‘Big Three’ – Florida State, Florida, and Miami – Smith remained loyal to the Buckeyes.
It paid off immediately. As a true freshman in the 2024 season, Smith recorded 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes win the first-ever 12-team playoff and a National Championship.
Jeremiah Smith is the Fastest Buckeye to Reach 25 Receiving Touchdowns in School History
Now entering his sophomore season in 2025, Smith has picked up where he left off.
In fact, he may be even better.
Entering Saturday’s contest against the Purdue Boilermakers, Smith had 55 catches for 725 yards and nine touchdowns, making him a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender.
Smith caught his 10th touchdown of the 2025 season on a 35-yard pass from Julian Sayin, giving the Buckeyes a 14-3 second quarter lead over the Boilermakers.
SAYIN TO SMITH TUDDY @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/SzA0fsxlgC
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025
That was Smith’s 25th career touchdown reception, making him the fastest Buckeye to reach 25 touchdowns, accomplishing the feat in just 25 games.
THE fastest Buckeye to 25 receiving touchdowns in school history 🗣️@Jermiah_Smith1 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/fUM6bpgCxg
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 8, 2025
David Boston previously held the record, reaching his 25th touchdown in his 30th game.
This achievement stands out even more when you consider just what kind of wide receivers have come through Ohio State over the years.
Former Buckeye receivers now excelling in the NFL include Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals), Terry McLaurin (Commanders), Chris Olave (Saints), Curtis Samuel (Bills), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks), Garrett Wilson (Jets), and rookie Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers), who was Smith’s teammate last season.
That list doesn’t even include other notable alumni like Boston, Vikings legend Cris Carter, Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn, and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.
It Was a ‘No-Brainer’ for Smith to Attend Ohio State
The Buckeyes’ tradition of standout receivers was a major factor in Smith’s decision.
“I mean, it was a no-brainer for me,” Smith told Sports Illustrated. “Seeing the success that they’ve had at the receiver position in recent years. Guys like Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, guys in the past like Cris Carter. It definitely was a day one thought of mine, coming to Ohio State to be one of them guys.”
Much of the credit goes to Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. A Buckeye from 2005-2008, he joined the staff in 2017, became receivers coach in 2018, and coordinator in 2023.
“Coach Hartline is a special, special coach in my eyes,” Smith said. “He develops first-round talent year in and year out. He pushes us each and every day to be the best version of ourselves. Coach is somebody I want[ed] to be coached by in college. He just has everything that you wanna learn at the college level and he’s gonna teach you things about the pros as well … Coach Hartline does a good job with us each and every day, can’t thank him enough for that.”
Led by Smith, the top-ranked Buckeyes are currently the favorite to win their second consecutive National Championship. They have home matchups with UCLA and Rutgers before traveling to Ann Arbor to take on the hated Michigan Wolverines on November 29.
