BREAKING: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Crowned Top No. 1 Recruit of the 2000s, Ignites Heated Fan Debate

In a bold declaration shaking up the college football world, 247Sports has officially named Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the greatest No. 1 overall recruit of the 2000s era. The honor, awarded after weeks of evaluation by top analysts, places Smith above a litany of past recruiting legends like Vince Young, Jadeveon Clowney, Trevor Lawrence, and Quinn Ewers — and not surprisingly, it’s triggered an intense response across fanbases and social media.

The decision comes as Smith prepares for his freshman season with the Buckeyes. Known for his surreal mix of athleticism, precise route running, and elite hands, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound phenom from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, was already a consensus five-star recruit and widely regarded as one of the best wide receiver prospects in years. Still, being ranked above all previous top-ranked recruits in over two decades is a distinction that takes his legend to a whole new level.

Experts at 247Sports cited Smith’s unique blend of size, speed, and football intelligence as reasons for his historic ranking. National recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins, who led the charge on the re-evaluation, described Smith as “the cleanest wide receiver prospect” he has ever scouted. Ivins went on to explain that Smith’s skill set is so refined and so advanced for his age that he projects as a potential first-round NFL draft pick before he’s even played a down in Columbus.

This isn’t just about his production or physical traits,” Ivins said. “It’s about how ready he is to dominate at the college level immediately and how safe of a projection he is to the NFL. When you factor in positional value and his potential ceiling, no one comes close.”

Smith’s high school tape is already the stuff of legend — jaw-dropping catches, breakaway speed, and a swagger that mirrors some of the NFL’s elite receivers. He recorded over 1,300 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns as a senior while consistently dominating top-tier competition. Coaches and scouts alike marveled at his poise, work ethic, and leadership — intangibles that separate stars from superstars.

Of course, proclaiming Smith the best No. 1 overall recruit in the modern era was bound to raise eyebrows. After all, the list of previous No. 1s reads like a who’s who of college and NFL greatness: Vince Young led Texas to a national title; Jadeveon Clowney became one of the most feared defensive ends in recent memory; Trevor Lawrence lost just two games in his entire college career and was drafted No. 1 overall in the NFL.

On social media, fans were quick to defend their favorites. Some pointed to Clowney’s once-in-a-generation explosiveness off the edge, while others argued that Lawrence’s leadership and winning pedigree should have guaranteed him the top spot. Even Ewers, now also at Ohio State, had his backers calling the decision premature.

Part of what makes this story even more electric is that Smith has committed to a program already loaded with elite receiving talent. Ohio State has earned a reputation as “Wide Receiver U” in recent years under position coach Brian Hartline, producing NFL stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr.

For Smith to walk into a room with that pedigree and still be viewed as the best of the best speaks volumes. And for Buckeye fans, it’s a signal that the future is not just bright — it could be historic. With Smith lining up on Saturdays in scarlet and gray, the expectations will be sky-high.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, known for developing offensive talent, has already praised Smith’s maturity and work ethic during spring workouts. “He’s the kind of guy who raises the level of everyone around him,” Day noted in April. “Jeremiah doesn’t act like a freshman — he trains like a pro, competes like a senior, and studies like a coach.”

Still, the crown of “best of the 2000s” is a heavy one, especially for an 18-year-old who hasn’t played a single down in the Big Ten. Critics argue that the honor could put unfair pressure on Smith and set a nearly impossible standard. There’s also the fear that such accolades might create a target on his back from defenses eager to shut him down.