Jeremiah Smith reflects on his role, mistakes, and growth at Ohio State so far

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has quickly become a key piece in the Buckeyes’ offense, but his journey hasn’t been without its learning moments. Following a recent game against Marshall, Smith took accountability for Will Howard's first interception thrown this season, acknowledging that his alignment was off. His candid reflections offer a glimpse into the mental and technical adjustments necessary to thrive at the highest level of college football, especially for a freshman.

In a post-game interview, Smith addressed the interception, immediately accepting responsibility for the play. “That was on me,” he said. “My split was too wide. He wanted me to cut my split down, so that was on me, not on Will.” Smith’s misalignment was a crucial factor in the defense's ability to make a play on the ball.

“I was at the bottom of the numbers, I should’ve been like numbers plus two,” Smith explained, showing his awareness of the specific technical details that contributed to the interception. This wide split allowed the defender to play over the top, leading to the costly turnover.

Smith’s comments highlight the importance of precision in route running and alignment at the collegiate level. Even minor adjustments, such as split positioning, can have a significant impact on the outcome of a play. Despite the mistake, Smith understands that these are all part of his growth as a young player. “It’s all a learning experience, and I’m just focused on getting better every day,” he said.

Thriving in a big role as a freshman

Jeremiah Smith’s rapid ascension into a significant role for Ohio State has surprised even him. When asked if he expected to have such a prominent position in the offense, Smith was quick to admit that he did not. "Not at all, not at all," he said. "This is Ohio State. With all the receivers that have been here and the guys that were already here before I got here, I didn’t expect to have the role I have now."

For a freshman, stepping into the spotlight at Ohio State is no small feat. Smith has entered a program known for producing elite receivers, including NFL stars like Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and many more.

Yet, despite his early success, Smith remains humble. “I still feel like I’m just a regular freshman," he reflected. "But a lot of people say I’m not." His humility is tempered with an understanding that his current role is a blessing, crediting his coaches and teammates for trusting him. "I just give all the thanks to God and the coaches for trusting me to be out there and make plays.”

Building trust with quarterback Will Howard

Part of Smith’s success this season has been his growing rapport with quarterback Will Howard. Their connection began to develop in fall camp, where Howard’s trust in Smith began to solidify. "In fall camp, that’s when he started trusting me, just throwing it up, and I was going to go get it," Smith said.

It’s clear that Howard’s confidence in Smith has translated into on-field success, especially in one-on-one situations. "He tells me every day, 'If you’re single-covered, I’m throwing it to you. It doesn’t matter who’s on you.' I just have to make a play."

This trust is not only a testament to Smith’s talent but also to his work ethic and willingness to learn. Though mistakes like the one in the Marshall game are inevitable for young players, Smith’s ability to recognize and correct them speaks volumes about his potential. Howard’s faith in him, combined with his physical gifts, has allowed Smith to become a reliable target, even as a freshman.

Embracing the Ohio State standard

Despite his rapid rise, Smith understands that playing for Ohio State comes with immense pressure and high expectations. The Buckeyes face tough competition every week, and Smith knows that his team needs to rise to the occasion. “We just gotta be Ohio State, that’s all we gotta be,” Smith said, summing up his mindset.

The wide receiver also noted the increased challenge their first Big Ten foe in Michigan State will bring as they are a better squad than the Buckeyes’ previous three opponents. “They’re a way better team than the last three we played, so it’s going to be a good game.”

For Smith, the challenge of playing on such a big stage is something he embraces. As a freshman, he’s learning on the fly, adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game while proving himself as a valuable contributor to one of the nation’s most storied programs. "I still got stuff to do, business to handle," he said, signaling that his journey is far from complete.

Jeremiah Smith’s reflection on the interception against Marshall shows a young player taking responsibility and learning from his mistakes. His rapid rise at Ohio State is a testament to his work ethic and natural ability, but it’s clear he’s focused on the bigger picture. Playing alongside a quarterback like Will Howard, Smith is proving that he belongs on the field, even if he didn’t expect to have such a significant role so soon.

Smith’s maturity and willingness to improve, coupled with Howard’s trust, make for a promising duo. As Ohio State continues its season, Smith’s growth will be crucial to the Buckeyes' success. With his combination of humility, talent, and drive, it seems that Jeremiah Smith is just getting started.