GREAT NEWS: Gilbert: Jeremiah Smith Is Ohio State’s Sure Bet
COLUMBUS, Ohio — When it comes to high school football talent transitioning to the college level, few players generate the kind of buzz that Jeremiah Smith has. A five-star wide receiver out of Chaminade-Madonna in Florida, Smith has drawn national attention not only for his elite athleticism but for the poise and maturity he displays beyond his years. With all eyes on Ohio State’s future, one thing is clear: Gilbert believes Jeremiah Smith is the Buckeyes’ surest bet in 2025 and beyond.
As a freshman preparing to join one of the most storied programs in college football, Smith already looks the part of a seasoned veteran. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing over 200 pounds, he combines size, speed, and an elite football IQ—traits that have made him a matchup nightmare at the high school level and a tantalizing prospect at the next. Recruiting analysts have compared him to NFL-caliber wideouts, and the hype surrounding his arrival in Columbus isn’t just based on potential—it’s grounded in production.
Gilbert, a respected voice in the recruiting world, has made it clear that Smith is a can’t-miss talent. “There are players you expect to contribute early, and then there are those who *must*,” he recently said. “Jeremiah Smith falls into the latter category. He’s not only capable of playing right away—he’s expected to. That’s how high the bar is.”
Ohio State fans have grown accustomed to seeing wide receiver excellence, especially under the development of position coach Brian Hartline. From Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave to Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have built a reputation as *Wide Receiver U.* Jeremiah Smith is next in that lineage, and some believe he might be the most gifted of them all.
What sets Smith apart isn’t just his athleticism—it’s his work ethic. Coaches and teammates frequently speak about his dedication to his craft. He’s often the first on the field and the last to leave. His understanding of the game, coupled with his relentless drive, makes him more than just a blue-chip recruit. He’s a future leader in the locker room.
Though Smith has yet to play a down at the college level, the expectations are sky-high. With Ohio State’s quarterback situation still taking shape, having a receiver like Smith could make all the difference. His ability to create separation, high-point the football, and dominate in one-on-one situations gives whoever lines up under center a security blanket—and a game-breaking weapon.
Recruiting classes often carry question marks, but every now and then, a player comes along who is viewed as a certainty. According to Gilbert and many others, Jeremiah Smith is that certainty for Ohio State.
In a sport filled with unpredictability, Gilbert’s take resonates for a reason: when he says Jeremiah Smith is Ohio State’s sure bet, it’s more than just a headline—it’s a promise of
things to come.
