Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a banner Buckeyes debut on Saturday afternoon in No. 2 Ohio State's 52-3 win over Akron.
Smith had an early drop on his first career target, but quickly shook it off to get back in the game. Lined up outside, Smith had a 1-on-1 against an Akron cornerback and quarterback Will Howard delivered a beautiful ball where on Smith could catch it for Ohio State's first touchdown of the season and the first of Smith's career. Smith managed to turn his body and bring down a sensational reception through coverage.
Jeremiah Smith, welcome to college football.
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) August 31, 2024
His first touchdown for @OhioStateFB. pic.twitter.com/vtXiHPxDAD
That wasn't it for Smith. He added another touchdown shortly after and finished with six receptions for 92 yards, with those two scores. He proved his ability to stretch the field, making a nice adjustment on an underthrown 45-yard completion, and lined up all over the field to flash his versatility.
As CBS Sports colleague Will Backus writes in his recap of Ohio State's win: "Smith was as good as advertised -- and then some. Early signs show he's the next great wideout to glide through Columbus."
Smith even showed off a one-handed catch.
Jeremiah Smith only needed one hand for this catch. pic.twitter.com/N93U6kHzbH
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) August 31, 2024
The freshman was rated the No. 1 overall recruit in the Top247 rankings and blew insiders away with his first offseason on campus. Smith became the fastest player to ever "lose their black stripe" during practice, a signifier of reaching full maturity on the Ohio State roster.
After a slow start and letting Akron score first, Ohio State raced past the Zips to the tune of a 52-3 win.
