Jeremiah Smith downplays NFL buzz to focus on Ohio State legacy

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, expected to be the first non-quarterback drafted and an NFL impact player next year, says he is focusing on the present as he pursues a legacy at Ohio State. During Big Ten media days, Smith said he is not dwelling on the NFL, instead trying to make teammates around him better. Through his first two college seasons, he leads Big Ten wide receivers in receptions (163), receiving yards (2,558), and touchdowns (27), the latter being the third-most by a receiver through their sophomore year since 2005. Entering his third season, Smith is set to help the top-ranked Buckeyes as they host Ball State while aiming for a second national championship in three years and national honors including the Biletnikoff Trophy and a Heisman bid, the first for a wide receiver since DeVonta Smith. Coach Ryan Day praised Smith’s on-field and off-field impact, citing his chance to leave a lasting legacy and noting his status as a household name. Smith also stands out in program history, arriving as a consensus top prospect and becoming the first freshman to earn Ohio State’s “Iron Buckeye” award for offseason excellence.