BREAKING: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Crowned Top No. 1 Overall Recruit of the 2000s by Head Coach Ryan Day

In a bold and resounding declaration, Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day has bestowed a major honor upon incoming freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith—calling him the best No. 1 overall recruit of the entire 2000s era. The high praise has sent shockwaves throughout the college football community, especially considering the long line of elite prospects to hold that coveted title over the past two decades.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound phenom from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, has been regarded as a generational talent by scouts for years. But for a head coach of Day’s stature—someone who has worked with top-tier talent at the highest levels of the game—to declare him the greatest No. 1 recruit since the turn of the century is nothing short of extraordinary.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this proclamation, one must understand who Jeremiah Smith is being compared to. Over the past 25 years, No. 1 overall recruits have included names like Vince Young, Jadeveon Clowney, Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, and Quinn Ewers. These are athletes who have defined programs, won Heisman Trophies, and in some cases gone on to become top NFL draft picks.

This is the most complete wide receiver I’ve ever seen at this age,” Day said during a recent media session. “I’ve been around some special players, but what Jeremiah brings in terms of physical tools, football IQ, work ethic, and leadership—it’s everything you could possibly want.”

What makes Smith so special? According to those within the Ohio State program, it’s the rare combination of size, speed, hands, and route-running ability that sets him apart. Coaches describe his footwork as “NFL-ready” and his ability to adjust to the ball mid-flight as “freakish.” One assistant coach noted that Smith’s body control and separation skills remind him of a young Julio Jones or DeAndre Hopkins.

In fact, comparisons to NFL All-Pros have been non-stop since Smith arrived on campus this spring. And what’s more impressive is how quickly he has acclimated to the speed of the college game.

He’s the type of guy who walks into the building and raises the standard instantly,” said Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. “He’s not just here to compete—he’s here to dominate.”

Smith is already penciled in as a major contributor for the Buckeyes in 2025, and many expect him to be a Day 1 starter. Despite being just a freshman, his grasp of the playbook and rapport with the quarterbacks has reportedly exceeded expectations.

During Ohio State’s spring practices, Smith turned heads with highlight-reel catches, including a 50-yard sideline grab in double coverage that left defensive coaches shaking their heads. Multiple players have privately said that Smith is “unguardable,” even against Ohio State’s elite defensive backs.

With star receiver Emeka Egbuka returning for what could be his final year, the Buckeyes could feature the most dangerous receiving duo in the nation—and Smith’s emergence might even overshadow the upperclassmen by midseason.

Ryan Day’s track record of evaluating offensive talent is proven. From grooming Justin Fields into a first-round pick to developing C.J. Stroud into a Heisman finalist and NFL rookie star, Day knows what greatness looks like. And for him to publicly place Smith above every top-ranked prospect since 2000 is a testament not only to Smith’s current ability but his sky-high potential.

With great praise comes heavy expectations, and Smith now finds himself under the spotlight before even playing a down of college football. But if early signs are any indication, he welcomes the challenge.

Ohio State fans are already dreaming of Smith becoming the next Buckeye legend—a player who can elevate the program back to national championship glory. With his physical gifts, competitive edge, and a coach who believes he’s the greatest No. 1 overall recruit in the modern era, the path is set