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Joel Klatt ranks Ohio State’s WR Jeremiah Smith at No. 5 on his Heisman list

Ohio State's freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith is rewriting the rulebook for college football wide receivers, earning a spot on Joel Klatt's Heisman list in just five games. Dominating defenses with his unstoppable playmaking, Smith is more than a rising star—he's an undeniable force that could become the best receiver Ohio State has ever produced.

By Jon Rhoades

Oct 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a touchdown grab against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) in the third quarter during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
Oct 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a touchdown grab against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) in the third quarter during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. / Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Ohio State's football program is no stranger to elite wide receiver talent, and the latest star to emerge is true freshman Jeremiah Smith. In Joel Klatt's latest Heisman Trophy rankings, he placed Smith at No. 5, a rare accolade for a freshman wide receiver. Despite his youth, Klatt didn't hold back in his praise for Smith, highlighting his dominance on the field.

"You cannot cover him with one player."

- Joel Klatt

What makes Jeremiah Smith's Heisman candidacy so remarkable is the fact that he's a true freshman, yet he’s already considered one of the top players in the country. Klatt noted that Smith’s physical presence and skill set make him almost impossible to defend: "You cannot cover him with one player and he's a true freshman." Klatt emphasized, signaling Smith's maturity and impact beyond his years.

Even in comparison to Ohio State’s long line of elite wide receivers, such as Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr., Smith is "on pace to be the best of them all." Klatt said. High praise indeed, considering the NFL-level talent Ohio State has produced at the position in recent years.

Statistically dominant, despite limited playing time

Smith's production backs up the hype. Through six weeks, Smith's stats are impressive across the board:

  • 23 receptions (11th in the Big Ten)
  • 449 receiving yards (5th in the Big Ten)
  • 6 receiving touchdowns, making him the only skill player in Ohio State history to score a touchdown in all of the first five games of a season.

Smith has also averaged a staggering 19.5 yards per reception, ranking 4th in the Big Ten among players with at least 16 targets. What’s most notable, as Klatt pointed out, is that Smith isn’t just racking up empty yardage—he’s converting big plays into touchdowns. His ability to score has made him a game-changer for the Buckeyes’ offense, even though he's not always playing full games.

Klatt called attention to Smith's spectacular hands and penchant for highlight-reel plays, specifically mentioning his "one-handed grabs every single week." In five games, Smith has already posted seven touchdowns (6 receiving, 1 rushing), a feat that sets him apart from even the most seasoned upperclassmen.

Outshining his peers

Klatt also drew a comparison between Smith and Ryan Williams, another highly-touted receiver. While Williams has also impressed, Klatt sees Smith as the more physically imposing player, which gives him an edge: "All due respect to Ryan Williams, who's also a fabulous player, I think Jeremiah Smith is just physically more imposing."

According to PFF, Smith's NFL passer rating when targeted sits at 144.0, the 4th highest in the Big Ten, further showcasing his efficiency as a receiver. He’s not just racking up yards, but also making crucial catches in high-leverage situations, leading to 19 first downs, ranking 6th in the conference.

A Heisman candidate unlike any other

It's rare for a true freshman to make such a splash, but Smith's combination of physical gifts and on-field production make him a serious Heisman candidate. Klatt underscored that "it's an amazing feat for a true freshman" to perform at such a high level so consistently. What makes Smith’s ranking even more impressive is his ability to dominate despite not always playing full games. If Smith were on the field for a full 60 minutes, his stats would likely be even more eye-popping, and he could be leading the Big Ten in multiple categories.

As Klatt said, "He is indefensible. You cannot defend this guy," and those watching Ohio State football can attest to that fact. Smith’s ability to consistently break away from defenders and make jaw-dropping catches week after week puts him on a trajectory to potentially be one of the best wide receivers not only in Ohio State history but in college football history as well.

Smith’s place at No. 5 on Klatt’s Heisman list might just be the beginning. If he continues his current pace, he could climb even higher, joining the rare company of receivers who have truly contended for the most prestigious individual award in college football. And given the talent, consistency, and physical dominance Smith has already shown, it's hard to bet against him.

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As Klatt so perfectly put it: "He's an absolute show."

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