Ohio State freshman star Jeremiah Smith added some awe-inspiring footage to his rapidly expanding highlight-reel in the first half of the Buckeyes’ Big Ten opener against Michigan State on Saturday night. The 6-foot-3 receiver, who ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, scored as both a runner and the pass-catcher and drew praise from LeBron James for his performance.
Smith made two ridiculous grabs late in the second quarter with the Buckeyes operating in the two-minute drill. First, he corralled a one-handed 27-yard reception down the sideline while double-teamed and having his face mask grabbed. Smith added to his contributions with a similarly ridiculous touchdown catch to cap the drive.
Though tightly defended yet again, he snared a bullet from backup quarterback Devin Brown (Will Howard was injured) with his outstretched right hand before stepping into the end zone with a score that put the Buckeyes ahead 24-7.
Shortly after, James shared his appreciation on X, posting “JEREMIAH SMITH!!!! MAN KNOCK IT OFF!!!! MY GOODNESS O-H..”
James is a native of Akron, Ohio, and is a big Ohio State fan.
Smith entered the game with 14 receptions for 281 yards and four touchdowns. But he also added to a new statistical category against the Spartans as his first career run went for a 19-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
The only receiver in the modern era to be the No. 1 overall recruit in his class, Smith has wasted little time cementing himself as one of the top young players in the sport. He’s now scored touchdowns in the first four games of his career.
