Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day had a bold claim about Jeremiah Smith after his elite performance.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had an unreal performance in the win over the Illinois Fighting Illini. Smith had 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to a 42-19 victory.
Smith is continuing to prove every week that he could win the Heisman Trophy in the 2026 season and is the best wide receiver in the country.
Following his four-touchdown game, head coach Ryan Day said he believes Smith has taken his game to another level this season, and it's hard to imagine a better player in college football than Smith.
Smith is off to an incredible start, as he has 33 receptions for 617 yards and seven touchdowns through four games. He is on pace for the best season of his career, and he's already put up elite numbers.
In his freshman year in 2024, he had 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 47 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Smith had another productive year in 2025, as he was an All-American and finished sixth in Heisman Voting, catching 87 passes for 1,243 yards and touchdowns, along with 21 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectHe has played under three different offensive coordinators at Ohio State, but he has consistently been the top weapon for the offense.
Smith's play has helped quarterback Julian Sayin continue to elevate his game and become a better passer. In four games in 2026, Sayin has completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 1,206 yards, 10 touchdowns, and an interception. He has formed a strong connection with Smith and will lean on that as they look to get back to the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes have developed some elite receivers over the years, and many have gone on to be stars in the NFL. However, Smith is the best of the bunch and will be a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
He is a big physical receiver with strong hands and the ability to run any route. Despite facing lots of double teams and different looks, Smith continues to post impressive numbers and be a mismatch for any defense he faces.
Smith has truly established himself as one of the greatest wide receiver prospects in history, and he will look to add a Heisman Trophy and a second National Championship with Ohio State to his accolades before heading to the NFL.
