Jeremiah Smith, the 19-year-old wide receiver for Ohio State, has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in college football. After a standout freshman season, Smith’s physical transformation and growing list of achievements have caught the attention of NFL scouts and fans alike.
His impressive combination of size, speed, and work ethic is making headlines, while his determination to bounce back from a tough loss is fueling his drive for the upcoming season.
Jeremiah Smith’s Offseason Bulk-Up Draws NFL Attention
Ohio State sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith made a major impact last year as a freshman. Over 16 games, he caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning Rose Bowl MVP honors and setting new program records.
In the College Football Playoff, he delivered a standout performance against top-seeded Oregon with seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Still, his offseason work is drawing even more attention.
“I changed my eating habits — just eating healthy food, salmon, rice with vegetables,” Smith said in a recent interview with The Athletic. “I’m at 225 pounds now. I was at 205 or 208 when I got there. Body fat, I think I’m second lowest on the team. I just did 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench and ran 22 (miles per hour) in a game.”
Skull Session: Jeremiah Smith says he hates Michigan and calls Julian Sayin’s arm “different,” and the Arizona Cardinals have become “Ohio State West” through the NFL draft. https://t.co/rAPetSWi0J
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 2, 2025
The added muscle has not slowed him down. Smith’s mix of size, speed, and strength makes him a tough matchup for any defense. His father, Chris Smith, said he was surprised by how quickly his son made his mark.
“He did exceed expectations I had,” he said. “My expectations were just going to school, getting in when he can, earning his steps as a freshman. I didn’t know [Jeremiah] was going to take over.” Some reports suggest NFL scouts are already watching Smith as a possible top-five pick in the 2027 draft.
Despite the early buzz, Smith remains focused, especially after a loss to Michigan in 2024. “I’m not a sore loser, but I hate losing, and losing to that team up north was pretty crazy,” he said. The loss has fueled his motivation for the next season.
“In the end, I think it really helped us play the way we did in the playoffs. But I didn’t want to go to Ohio State and lose to that team up north. I just hate them. Just something about them. For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them.”
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Smith’s influence goes beyond the football field. At the OT7 Playoffs, which aired on NFL Network, he met with several brand representatives. Ohio State has a $252 million deal with Nike, but Smith chose to sign with Adidas, a brand he has worn since he was a kid.
“I’ve been wearing Adidas since I was a young kid, 11, 10 years old,” he said. “To be a part of the brand is something special.”
His NIL portfolio includes partnerships with major brands like Red Bull and Lululemon. Smith’s marketability continues to grow as he builds his legacy at Ohio State and prepares for what could be a bright future in the NFL.
