Jeremiah Smith Transforms Spring Into Sophomore Surge: Buckeye Fans Name Him Top Returning Star

COLUMBUS, OH — As the dust settles from a spring filled with intensity and anticipation, no Ohio State player has captured the attention of fans quite like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Once a five-star freshman phenom, Smith has rapidly transformed into a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ offensive identity heading into the 2025 season. And now, in a newly released fan poll conducted by Scarlet and Gray Report, Smith has been voted the team’s “Top Returning Star,” outshining even seasoned veterans and capturing the hearts of Buckeye Nation.

After arriving in Columbus as the nation’s top wide receiver recruit in the 2024 class, expectations for Smith were sky-high. But few could have predicted just how quickly he would not only meet them — but exceed them. During his freshman campaign, Smith demonstrated flashes of brilliance, but this spring he’s taken another leap. Teammates and coaches alike have noted his vastly improved footwork, sharper route precision, and sheer confidence when lining up against Ohio State’s elite secondary.

He’s not just playing fast — he’s playing smart now,” said wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. “The growth we’ve seen from Jeremiah from winter workouts to the end of spring practice is the definition of elite.”

Smith’s meteoric rise hit a new gear during the Buckeyes’ annual Spring Game in April. Facing off against a retooled and aggressive defense, the sophomore wideout lit up the field with six receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns — including a jaw-dropping 48-yard grab over double coverage that drew a standing ovation from fans at Ohio Stadium.

His performance didn’t just turn heads — it cemented his status. Smith was named the game’s offensive MVP, and the social media buzz afterward declared what many had already suspected: this is Jeremiah Smith’s offense now.

In a recent online poll conducted by Scarlet and Gray Report, more than 8,000 Buckeye fans were asked to vote for Ohio State’s most valuable returning player. Smith garnered a staggering 42% of the votes — topping the list ahead of fellow stars like defensive end Jack Sawyer and running back Quinshon Judkins.

He’s got the ‘it’ factor,” one fan commented. “When Marvin Harrison Jr. left, we thought it would be years before another receiver came close. But Jeremiah has that same aura — that game-breaking talent you just can’t coach.”

Even some longtime OSU supporters were surprised by just how unified the fanbase was in selecting Smith as the top returner. It’s a signal that the sophomore has already bridged the gap between potential and performance.

What’s perhaps most impressive about Smith’s spring isn’t just the numbers — it’s the intangibles. Several coaches have noted his vocal leadership during position drills and his willingness to mentor younger wideouts already arriving in Columbus for summer workouts. For a sophomore, that maturity is rare.

Quarterback Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer expected to start under center this fall, has also formed a quick and efficient connection with Smith. The two have been spotted working on timing routes after practice, and it’s clear their chemistry could be the backbone of Ohio State’s passing attack.

With high expectations comes intense pressure — but if Smith has shown anything, it’s that he thrives under it. As Ohio State prepares for a season filled with national championship aspirations, the sophomore wide receiver is poised to be the face of the team’s offensive ambitions.

Head coach Ryan Day has been careful not to heap too much praise on young stars too early, but even he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm during a recent press availability.

Jeremiah’s work ethic, his consistency, and his hunger to be great — those are the things that separate him,” Day said. “He’s already proven he can be a big-time player, and now it’s about doing it every Saturday.”

As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, there’s little doubt that all eyes will be on Jeremiah Smith. What started as a spring surge has evolved into a full-fledged sophomore campaign of expectation — and Buckeye fans have made it clear: Jeremiah Smith is not just the next great Ohio State receiver. He’s the guy.