COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jeremiah Smith was anticipated to be a standout player when Ohio State took on Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
After showcasing an impressive 290 receiving yards in two postseason games leading up to this matchup, expectations were high for the freshman. However, the Texas defense decided to double-team him, which resulted in Smith having a modest performance—only one reception for three yards—as Ohio State secured a 28-14 win and moved on to the national championship game against Notre Dame.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Smith has been a vital component of the Buckeyes’ success this season. Despite his limited impact in the Texas game, the 19-year-old understood that drawing defensive attention would ultimately open up opportunities for his teammates.
“It’s frustrating but it’s part of being a teammate,” Smith explained. “You got to open things up.”
As the top recruit of the 2024 class, Smith achieved remarkable statistics in his debut season, tallying 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns. This performance set new freshman school records for receiving yards, catches, and touchdowns, eclipsing the previous marks held by Cris Carter, and earned him a second-team All-American selection.
The focus on Smith by the Texas defense allowed other receivers to thrive. Carnell Tate had a career-best performance with seven catches for 87 yards, while Emeka Egbuka added five receptions for 51 yards. Smith expressed confidence in his teammates, saying, “I know they will always do their part no matter if I’m double-teamed or not I know they’re always gonna be open and get the job done.”
As for the upcoming championship game, Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore is aware of the challenge presented by Smith. Prep work for the game involves trusting his skills and training to hold up against such an elite opponent. “He’s definitely an elite receiver, of course,” Moore noted. “He’s big, he’s physical, he’s good at attacking the ball in the air. So we just got to be as good and better at attacking the ball this week, so be ready to challenge him.”
Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, explained that the team’s successful strategy against Texas demonstrated their depth in talent. “The beauty of what we have here is we have more than one weapon,” stated Kelly. He praised quarterback Will Howard for his ability to adapt to the defense’s schemes.
Both players and coaches realize that Smith’s influence on the field is immeasurable. Additionally, to safeguard his financial future, Smith has opted for permanent total disability insurance, which can cost between $7,500 and $8,000 per million in coverage. This decision protects against potential career-ending injuries until August 1, 2027, or until he signs an NFL contract.
Smith, hailing from Miami Gardens, Florida, shared that competing in a national championship has been a lifelong dream. “I had no intention of it being my first year in college to be able to play for a national championship,” he reflected, adding, “But this being my first year is a blessing for sure and I won’t take it for granted.”
