The greatest players in any sport are the ones who never seem to be satisfied. That's why, even though Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith already appears to be the best wide receiver in America, he still has his sights set on improving as he heads into the 2025 season.
This weekend, during the Ohio State spring game, Smith was interviewed by Tyvis Powell of the Big Ten Network, and he was asked what he is looking to improve upon as a receiver. Interestingly, he focused on the mental aspect of the game.
"Something that I want to improve upon is just getting a better understanding of the game," he said. "That's one of the biggest things, me and Coach Hartline talked about. That's one of the biggest things. Just getting an understanding of football...that's one of the things for sure."
It makes sense for the cerebral aspect of the game to be where Smith focuses this offseason. After all, he's already got the physical aspect down.
He was one of the nation's best players as a freshman 💯
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) April 12, 2025
Returning @bigten wide receiver of the year Jeremiah Smith chats with @1Tyvis about the season ahead 👇#B1GFootball x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/xtfaEVEGSr
Last season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder took the nation by storm as a true freshman. He hauled in 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as he helped the Buckeyes capture the National Championship.
Most experts and scouts already believe that Smith has all the physical traits needed to be successful in the NFL. However, he will have to wait two more years before he gets that opportunity. Therefore, refining his mental understanding of how to play the position is going to be the next step toward unlocking his immeasurable potential.
Another area of growth for Smith could come in the form of becoming a leader, something that will be expected of him as he matures. However, he admitted that being vocal doesn't come naturally to him.
"It's been a challenge," he said. "I'm not the talkative type of person, so just stepping out of my comfort zone, that's been a big thing this winter and going into this spring, you know, being a leader. Guys in the locker room want to see me talk, be a leader to the younger guys, and other people on the team as well. That's probably the biggest thing, being more of a leader."
With the departure of Emeka Egbuka, who spent four years in Columbus as a key wide receiver, Smith now becomes the unquestioned lead dog at the position for the Buckeyes, both on the field and in the locker room.
Now, he's viewed as the biggest star on campus, regardless of the sport. That means he will have to be more focused than ever, and he talked about handling his stardom and blocking out the noise.
"I think I do a pretty good job at it," he said. "Just blocking out all of the things people say about me, all the distractions, and everything. Just stay level-headed. Just because I had one great year, you can't fall back on that and think 'Oh, I made it' or 'I'm good'. No, I have to keep improving, keep getting better."
There is no question that Smith is the most gifted receiver in America, and he might be the most talented player in the game, regardless of position. However, plenty of amazing athletes have seen their dreams derailed because of mental shortcomings or character flaws.
Those aspects of being a star don't seem to be challenges for Smith, though. He is obviously aware of the importance of refining all aspects of his game, especially what goes on between his ears, and as his mind and personality mature to match his physical gifts, he might become the most unstoppable wide receiver Ohio State has ever produced.