Ohio State’s offense made an explosive statement in their College Football Playoff semifinal against Tennessee, and true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith played a starring role in that narrative. Early in the game, Smith caught a perfectly placed pass from quarterback Kyle McCord and turned it into a 55-yard touchdown, showcasing his elite combination of speed, strength, and football IQ.
That single play not only put the Buckeyes ahead early but also set social media ablaze, with fans and analysts alike marveling at Smith’s talent and the sheer efficiency of Ohio State’s offense. As the game unfolded, one sentiment began to echo across the college football world: **Ohio State’s offense is a juggernaut, and Jeremiah Smith is its future.
On Ohio State’s second drive of the game, McCord took a snap from the shotgun, scanned the field, and found Smith streaking down the sideline. The freshman wideout effortlessly separated from his defender, caught the ball in stride, and raced to the end zone untouched. The score electrified the Ohio Stadium crowd and gave Ohio State an early 7-0 lead.
Smith’s performance on the play showcased why he was one of the most coveted recruits in the 2024 class. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and technical skill that makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense.
As soon as Smith crossed the goal line, social media erupted with praise. Fans, analysts, and former players took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their admiration for Ohio State’s offensive firepower and Smith’s undeniable talent.
“Jeremiah Smith is HIM. Ohio State might have the best freshman WR in the nation,” one fan tweeted.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit chimed in as well, saying during the broadcast, “This is why Ohio State’s offense is so dangerous. You have a quarterback who can make every throw and a wide receiver corps that’s loaded with talent. Jeremiah Smith is just scratching the surface of his potential.”
Smith’s early touchdown was a perfect example of head coach Ryan Day’s offensive philosophy: attack defenses vertically with speed and precision. Under Day, Ohio State has consistently been one of the most explosive offenses in college football, and this year’s unit is no exception.
McCord has stepped into the starting quarterback role seamlessly, and with weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and now Smith, the Buckeyes have an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions.
What makes Ohio State’s offense so dangerous is its ability to adapt. Whether it’s utilizing the run game, attacking with short passes, or taking deep shots like the one to Smith, Day’s system is designed to exploit weaknesses in any defense.
Ohio State has a long history of producing elite wide receivers, from Cris Carter and Michael Thomas to recent stars like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Jeremiah Smith appears poised to carry that tradition forward.
Even as a freshman, Smith has shown the poise and talent of a seasoned veteran. His ability to track the ball, run crisp routes, and create separation makes him a key weapon for Ohio State’s offense, not just in the playoff but for years to come.
The early touchdown from Smith set the tone for what would become a dominant first half for the Buckeyes against Tennessee. By establishing the deep passing game early, Ohio State forced Tennessee’s defense to play on its heels, opening up opportunities for the running game and shorter passing routes.
If the Buckeyes can continue to execute at this level, they’ll be a tough team to stop in their quest for a national championship. Smith’s emergence as a legitimate threat only adds another layer of complexity for opposing defenses to navigate.
Jeremiah Smith’s early touchdown against Tennessee was more than just a highlight-reel play—it was a statement. It demonstrated the depth of Ohio State’s offensive talent and solidified Smith as one of college football’s rising stars.
As fans and analysts alike continue to heap praise on Ohio State’s offense, one thing is clear: the Buckeyes are not just playing to win games—they’re playing to dominate. With Smith leading the charge, Ohio State’s future looks as bright as ever.