The record-breaking freshman who turned a childhood rejection into football immortality
In short: In 2012, a seven-year-old boy in Florida failed to make a youth football roster. That rejection sparked a relentless drive that would eventually lead him to shatter NCAA records and become the most highly-rated wide receiver of the modern era.
Jeremiah Smith’s ascent to the top of college football began with a defining setback. After being cut from the Miami Gardens Ravens at age seven, Smith intensified his training, eventually winning his league's version of the Heisman Trophy. His path through Florida high schools, including Miami Central and Chaminade-Madonna, saw him evolve into a versatile athlete, even securing state championships in the 110 and 400-meter hurdles during his junior year.
By the time he arrived at Ohio State in 2024, Smith was the premier prospect of his recruiting class. His impact was immediate and historic. As a true freshman, he broke the NCAA Division I FBS records for receiving yards and touchdowns in a single season. His debut against Akron featured two touchdown receptions, the first such feat by an Ohio State freshman in 26 years. This momentum carried through a dominant 2024 campaign, including an MVP performance in the Rose Bowl against Oregon on January 1, 2025.
Smith's dominance extended into his sophomore season, where he continued to rewrite the record books. During a game against Kent State, he surpassed Michael Jenkins to become the all-time leader in career receiving yards for the Buckeyes. Beyond the field, Smith has become a pioneer in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), notably becoming the first college football player to secure an endorsement deal with Red Bull in September 2024. His career is also marked by a unique coaching connection: his cousin, Geno Smith, plays for the New York Jets under Chip Kelly, the man who coached Jeremiah at Ohio State.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jeremiah Smith (American football)
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