Ohio State Star Jeremiah Smith Predicted To Be Top Pick in 2027 NFL Draft

Ohio State Buckeyes star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has continued to impress throughout his college career and has established himself as one of the top prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft.

In Sports Illustrated's mock draft, Smith lands with the Houston Texans with the first overall pick.

Smith is likely the top prospect in the 2027 class, but it's unusual to see a non-quarterback be selected with the number one overall selection. However, if a team like the Texans ends up with the top pick, Smith could make sense, as they already have a solid starting quarterback in Ohio State alum C.J. Stroud.

Stroud could use a weapon like Smith in the Texans' offense, which could help him return to being an efficient quarterback. The former Ohio State star quarterback has had ups and downs since Houston selected him with the second overall pick. Through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, Stroud has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 627 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

If the Texans have an opportunity to add Smith, it would go a long way in helping Stroud take the next step.

Smith has been an unreal player since he set foot on the Buckeyes' campus in 2024. In his freshman season, he had 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 47 yards and a touchdown on six carries. He was a key weapon as Ohio State went on to win the National Championship.

In 2025, he had another great season, earning All-American Honors and finishing sixth in Heisman voting, as he hauled in 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown on three attempts.

Smith is playing at an even higher level in the 2026 season, as he has 33 receptions for 617 yards and seven touchdowns. This includes a sensational performance against the Illinois Fighting Illini, as he had 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns.

He has already set records at Ohio State and is only getting better, making him one of the best wide receivers in college football history. The 20-year-old star wideout is a true difference-maker with his size, route-running, and strong hands. 

If Smith ends up as the first overall pick, he would become the fourth wide receiver ever to be selected in that spot, along with Keyshawn Johnson, Irving Fryar, and Dave Parks.