Introduction
Jeremiah Smith, the prodigious wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has quickly become a household name in college football. Born on November 29, 2005, in Miami Gardens, Florida, Smith was the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, hailed as the highest-rated wide receiver in high school recruiting history. His Jeremiah Smith stats, both in high school and college, tell the story of a once-in-a-generation talent who has already broken records and helped lead Ohio State to a national championship in 2024. This article dives deep into Jeremiah Smith’s stats, exploring his journey from a high school phenom at Chaminade-Madonna Prep to a record-breaking freshman at Ohio State, while highlighting his key performances and future potential.
High School Career: A Star in the Making
Jeremiah Smith’s football journey began at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force. His sophomore year Jeremiah Smith stats were impressive for a young player, with 31 receptions for 667 yards and 7 touchdowns, showcasing his potential early on. However, it was during his junior and senior years that Smith’s stats truly set him apart as one of the nation’s top prospects.
In his junior season, Smith recorded 58 receptions for 1,073 yards and an astounding 20 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a game-changer. These Jeremiah Smith stats helped Chaminade-Madonna secure a state championship, and his performance on the field earned him recognition as a MaxPreps Junior All-American. Additionally, Smith showcased his athletic versatility by winning Florida’s FHSAA Class 2A state championships in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles, with personal bests of 14.34 seconds and 54.68 seconds, respectively.
His senior year was even more remarkable. Smith’s Jeremiah Smith stats included 88 receptions for 1,376 yards and 19 touchdowns across 14 games, leading Chaminade-Madonna to a 14-0 record and a third consecutive state title. In his final high school game, a 56-0 state championship victory, he caught 11 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. Over his final two seasons, Smith amassed 151 receptions for 2,474 yards and 39 touchdowns, numbers that solidified his status as the top recruit in the 2024 class. These Jeremiah Smith stats highlight his dominance and versatility, as he also contributed defensively in key situations and returned a punt for a touchdown.
Smith’s high school career was not without challenges. At age 7, he was cut from the Miami Gardens Ravens youth football team, an event that motivated him to take training seriously. The following year, he made the team and won a youth league version of the Heisman Trophy, setting the stage for his meteoric rise.
High School Season | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Notable Achievements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sophomore (2021) | 31 | 667 | 7 | Early breakout season |
Junior (2022) | 58 | 1,073 | 20 | MaxPreps Junior All-American, State Champion (Track & Football) |
Senior (2023) | 88 | 1,376 | 19 | All-American, Florida Player of the Year, State Champion |
Transition to College: Breaking Records as a Freshman
Upon committing to Ohio State over offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and USC, Smith wasted no time making an impact at the collegiate level. In his 2024 freshman season, his Jeremiah Smith stats were nothing short of historic. He finished the season with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, breaking the FBS freshman receiving record previously held by players like Sammy Watkins. This performance also shattered Ohio State’s freshman records for receptions (76), receiving yards (1,315), and touchdowns (15), surpassing marks set by legends like Cris Carter.
Smith’s Jeremiah Smith stats were particularly impressive in high-stakes games. In the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal against Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025, he recorded 7 receptions for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns, breaking Ohio State’s single-game freshman receiving record. In the national championship game against Notre Dame on January 20, 2025, he added 5 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown, contributing significantly to Ohio State’s 34-23 victory. Over the four CFP games, Smith caught 19 passes for 381 yards, averaging 20.1 yards per reception.
His versatility extended beyond receiving, as evidenced by his Jeremiah Smith stats on the ground: 6 rushes for 47 yards and 1 touchdown, with a longest run of 19 yards. He also recorded a solo tackle, showcasing his willingness to contribute defensively when needed. Smith’s ability to perform in multiple facets of the game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a key component of Ohio State’s offensive strategy.
2024 College Stats | Value | Notes |
---|---|---|
Receptions | 76 | Ohio State freshman record |
Receiving Yards | 1,315 | FBS freshman record |
Yards per Reception | 17.3 | |
Receiving Touchdowns | 15 | Ohio State freshman record |
Rushing Attempts | 6 | |
Rushing Yards | 47 | |
Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | |
Total Touchdowns | 16 | |
Points Scored | 96 | 6.0 points per game |
Key Performances: Shining in the Spotlight
Smith’s Jeremiah Smith stats in specific games highlight his ability to perform under pressure. His college debut against Akron on August 31, 2024, saw him lead the team with 6 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 52-6 rout. Against Oregon on October 12, 2024, he recorded 9 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, proving he could compete against top-tier opponents. His performance against Tennessee in the CFP first round on December 21, 2024, included 6 receptions for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Perhaps his most memorable game was the Rose Bowl against Oregon, where his 187 receiving yards not only broke a school record but also earned him the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP award. These Jeremiah Smith stats underscore his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, a trait that sets him apart from his peers.
Analyzing Jeremiah Smith’s Stats
When analyzing Jeremiah Smith’s stats, it’s clear that he is not just a one-dimensional player but a complete athlete. His 76 receptions averaged 4.75 catches per game over a 16-game season, while his 1,315 receiving yards translated to 82.2 yards per game. His 15 receiving touchdowns, combined with one rushing touchdown, resulted in 96 total points, or 6.0 points per game. These Jeremiah Smith stats place him among the elite in college football, even when compared to upperclassmen.
Comparatively, Smith’s freshman season outshines those of notable NFL stars during their college freshman years. For example, Ja’Marr Chase recorded 313 yards and 3 touchdowns as a freshman at LSU, while DeVonta Smith had 693 yards and 8 touchdowns at Alabama. Smith’s 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns surpass these figures, highlighting the rarity of his achievement. His Jeremiah Smith stats also compare favorably to Ohio State greats like Marvin Harrison Jr., who had 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Smith’s efficiency is another standout feature. His 17.3 yards per reception indicate his ability to make big plays, while his zero fumbles demonstrate his reliability. His Jeremiah Smith stats reveal a player who combines speed, strength, and football IQ, making him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Awards and Recognition
Smith’s Jeremiah Smith stats earned him a slew of accolades in 2024. He was named a First-Team All-American by USA Today, the Big Ten Conference Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year, and the Big Ten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year. Additionally, he was recognized as the On3 Offensive Freshman of the Year and an OSU Scholar-Athlete, balancing academic and athletic excellence. These honors reflect the impact of his Jeremiah Smith stats on the national stage.
Future Prospects and Legacy
With such remarkable Jeremiah Smith stats in his freshman year, the future looks incredibly bright for Smith. Analysts have speculated that if he were eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, he could be the No. 1 overall pick, a testament to his extraordinary talent (The Columbus Dispatch). With two more years of eligibility, Smith has the opportunity to climb Ohio State’s all-time receiving leaderboards and potentially become one of the greatest college receivers ever.
His Jeremiah Smith stats are not just numbers; they are a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication. As he continues to develop under Ohio State’s coaching staff, including wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, Smith is poised to redefine what it means to be a wide receiver in college football. His combination of size (6’3”, 215 pounds), speed, and hands makes him a unique prospect with limitless potential.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Smith’s stats tell a story of unparalleled success and potential. From his dominant high school career at Chaminade-Madonna, where he recorded 151 receptions for 2,474 yards and 39 touchdowns, to his record-breaking freshman season at Ohio State with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, Smith has proven himself to be a once-in-a-generation talent. His Jeremiah Smith stats are a testament to his ability to dominate at every level of the game, whether in regular-season matchups or high-stakes playoff games. As he continues to grow and evolve, his stats will undoubtedly continue to impress, solidifying his place in football lore as one of the sport’s brightest stars.