Jeremiah Smith, born November 29, 2005, in Miami Gardens, Florida, is a standout wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Regarded as the top recruit of the 2024 class and the highest-rated wide receiver in high school recruiting history, Smith made an immediate impact in college football by breaking the FBS freshman receiving records and helping Ohio State win the 2024 national championship.
Known for his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Smith has earned multiple awards in his first seasons, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Receiver of the Year, and Freshman All-American honors. His rapid rise has also made him one of the most marketable young athletes in the NCAA, with lucrative NIL endorsements already in place.
Quick Facts of Jeremiah Smith
| Full Name | Jeremiah Smith |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 29, 2005 |
| Place of Birth | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA |
| Age | 19 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| High School | Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School, Hollywood, FL |
| College | Ohio State University (2024–present) |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Class | Sophomore |
| Awards | CFP National Champion (2024), Rose Bowl Offensive MVP (2025), Big Ten Receiver of the Year (2024), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2024), First-team All-Big Ten (2024), Freshman All-American (2024) |
| NIL Deals | Red Bull, Adidas |
| Recruitment Rank | 5-star recruit, top WR of 2024 class |
Early Life and High School Career
Smith grew up in Miami Gardens, Florida, and began playing youth football at age seven. After initially being cut from his youth team, he dedicated himself to training, which fueled his development as a top-tier athlete. He attended Monsignor Edward Pace High School before transferring to Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School, where he excelled in football and track, winning state championships in hurdles events.
During his high school career, Smith recorded 31 receptions for 667 yards as a sophomore, 58 receptions for 1,073 yards as a junior, and earned All-American honors as a senior. He finished as the top-rated wide receiver recruit in modern recruiting history and committed to Ohio State over offers from Florida, Georgia, Miami, and USC.
College Career
Smith made an immediate impact at Ohio State in 2024, breaking FBS freshman receiving records with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Highlights included six receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State and an MVP performance in the 2025 Rose Bowl with seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns.
In the 2025 season, Smith continues to excel, tallying 40 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdowns in six games. He remains a key target for the Buckeyes and a strong candidate for national awards.
NIL Deals and Endorsements
Jeremiah Smith became the first college football athlete to sign an NIL deal with Red Bull in September 2024 and later partnered with Adidas in July 2025. His marketability is boosted by his on-field performance, size, and status as a record-breaking freshman receiver.
Personal Life
Smith is the cousin of Geno Smith, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. Both share a football lineage, with Geno’s NFL success serving as inspiration for Jeremiah. Off the field, Smith has appeared as a cover athlete for EA Sports College Football 26 alongside Ryan Williams.
Legacy and Outlook
Jeremiah Smith has already left a mark in college football as one of the most talented and marketable young wide receivers. With multiple awards, FBS records, and NIL deals, his trajectory points toward a promising NFL career, potentially following in the footsteps of his cousin Geno Smith.
