Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has built a reputation for developing elite wide receivers, turning talents like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. into household names. So, when Day speaks about his newest five-star recruit, Jeremiah Smith, people listen. Widely regarded as the top receiver in the 2024 class, Smith has drawn national attention for his size, speed, and ability to make highlight-reel plays. Yet, according to Day, one of Smith’s most important attributes remains overlooked.
Smith, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, has been the centerpiece of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class. With exceptional athleticism and a skill set that includes elite route running, strong hands, and the ability to make contested catches, he’s drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Julio Jones and A.J. Green.
However, during a recent press conference, Ryan Day surprised many when asked what makes Smith special. While most expected Day to praise his physical tools or on-field production, he instead highlighted Smith’s mental approach to the game.
“Everyone sees the physical gifts,” Day said. “The size, the speed, the playmaking ability—they’re obvious. But what really separates Jeremiah is his football IQ. He’s a student of the game in every sense. That’s not something you always see in young players, especially ones as physically dominant as he is.”
Day elaborated on how Smith’s understanding of defensive schemes, route concepts, and his ability to read coverages sets him apart. “He’s not just out there running routes. He knows why he’s running them, how to adjust based on what the defense shows, and where the soft spots in coverage are. That’s rare at this stage of his career,” Day said.
Football IQ often goes unnoticed in discussions about high school recruits, where physical traits and stats dominate evaluations. For Smith, though, this attribute has already made a significant impact. Coaches at Chaminade-Madonna Prep have praised his ability to serve as a quasi-coach on the field, helping younger teammates understand assignments and adjusting plays in real time.
“Jeremiah’s football IQ allows him to play faster,” said Day. “He’s not second-guessing or reacting late. He’s anticipating, which is a huge advantage at the collegiate level.”
Day also noted that Smith’s ability to process information quickly could make him a contributor for Ohio State early in his career. “When you combine his physical gifts with his mental approach, it’s hard not to see him making an impact right away,” Day added.
Smith’s intelligence and work ethic make him a natural fit in Ohio State’s dynamic offense, which places a premium on precise execution and adaptability. His skill set and mindset align perfectly with what Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline look for in their players.
Hartline, widely regarded as one of the best recruiters and developers of wide receiver talent in college football, echoed Day’s sentiments about Smith. “The best receivers aren’t just athletes—they’re thinkers,” Hartline said. “Jeremiah understands that every detail matters, and he approaches the game with that level of focus. It’s exciting to think about what he can accomplish here.”
With his combination of physical tools and mental sharpness, Jeremiah Smith is poised to make waves in Columbus. While the spotlight will inevitably focus on his big plays and eye-popping stats, Day’s comments shed light on the less glamorous but equally critical aspects of Smith’s game.
As Ohio State continues its push for another College Football Playoff appearance, fans can take solace in knowing that their future is in good hands—both literally and figuratively. If Smith’s overlooked attribute proves as impactful as Day believes, the Buckeyes’ tradition of wide receiver excellence is in no danger of slowing down.