All summer long, players and coaches have been talking about Jeremiah Smith and saying what Buckeyes fans have known all along. The latest player to state the obvious is Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe, who commented back in July on what he really thinks of the young wide receiver.
"He's a freak of nature," Taaffe said.
Smith had probably one of the best freshman seasons by a wide receiver, possibly ever, last season with 76 receptions for 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 17.3 yards per catch. A freak of nature almost doesn't seem like a strong enough description of his talent, and now he has the chance to take a step forward in year two, which almost doesn't seem possible.
"Man, what he does on the football field, it doesn't seem like a real human's doing that because he's just so unique and he's inspirational and all the talent," Taaffe said.
Skull Session: Texas DB Michael Taaffe calls Jeremiah Smith "a freak of nature," and Jim Schwartz says Denzel Ward is "probably the best corner I've had in 30 years in the NFL." https://t.co/8AJZWMQWp4
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 6, 2025
Taaffe could find himself having to guard the freak of nature in Week 1 as the Buckeyes and the Longhorns face off in what will be the biggest game to start off the season. Not only is this a huge rematch from the College Football Playoff from last season, but it will also be the final game that ESPN College Gameday analyst Lee Corso will pick with his famous headgear pick.
This is going to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, matchups of the season and could really set the tone for both teams. Both teams will have new starting quarterbacks as Arch Manning will officially take over for Texas, and Julian Sayin is competing for the starting role for the Buckeyes, and it looks like he is going to win it.
Smith will be the star of the show for Ohio State this year and will need to be at the top of his game in order to lead the Buckeyes back to the National Championship this season.