The Ohio State Buckeyes went into this week ranked No. 2 in the country, only behind Oregon. Looking to make a statement against Purdue, Ohio State did just that. The Buckeyes would dominate the game from start to finish, picking up the win 45-0. During this game however, a record that has stood the test of time would fall. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith would break Cris Carter’s records for most receptions and receiving touchdowns in a single season by a freshman in Ohio State history. Smith came into this game already holding the record for most receiving yards by a true freshman receiver in program history.
Ohio State Looking at Its Next Superstar
The Ohio State Buckeyes have grown very familiar with producing NFL level talent over the years, especially at the wide receiver position. With studs like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr being only the most recent. This season, Smith shows he can be on that level for Ohio State going forward. Given he is just a true freshman, expect more records to fall if he can keep up his production over the course of the next couple years.
Leaving the game against Purdue, Smith now holds three freshman records for the Ohio State program, Most receiving yards in a season (765), most receptions in a season (45), and most receiving touchdowns in a season (9). These records were formerly held by now NFL Hall of Famer, Cris Carter. It’s a new age in college football, where freshman receivers are starting to make a real impact for their teams. It’s between Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams for who is the best freshman receiver in all of college football.
Ohio State’s Top Weapon as A Freshman
Coming into the 2024 season, many expected Emeka Egbuka to be Ohio State’s number one wide receiver. Egbuka chose not to enter the NFL Draft last season and return to Ohio State for one more go, even after being projected as one of last year’s top receivers. Egbuka should still be selected high in this next NFL Draft, as he is a talented receiver in his own right.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has found his favorite target to be the true freshman, Jeremiah Smith. Egbuka has only two more receptions than Smith, but Smith leads the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Smith has been a very influential part of Ohio State’s success this season. Quarterback Will Howard has found him on a consistent basis, throwing him a touchdown in all but one game so far this season. Ohio State may be ranked No. 2 for now, but they are making a case that given the chance at a rematch against Oregon, they could rewrite the script.
Looking Ahead for The Buckeyes
Only three games remain on the regular season docket for the Buckeyes. Next week they play a Northwestern team that probably won’t fare much better than Purdue just did against the high-powered Ohio State offense. However, the following week could be Ohio State’s last big challenge of the year. The Buckeyes will face top ten ranked and undefeated Indiana, who have been enjoying the best season they’ve had in program history. If Ohio State can manage to get by Indiana, then longtime rival Michigan is the only thing that stands in their way.
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