Jeremiah Smith’s breakout 2024 season has him poised to become the next great wide receiver to emerge from Ohio State. The Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in producing NFL-caliber wide receivers, and Smith’s impressive freshman year is already sparking conversations about Ohio State’s place in the “Wide Receiver U” debate.
Smith’s Historic Freshman Year
Entering the Orange Bowl, Smith boasts an astounding 70 catches, 1,224 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. These remarkable statistics already rank him in the top 50 in school history, a feat that few have achieved in their first year. As a freshman, he is on track to shatter multiple Ohio State receiving records before making the leap to the NFL. With such a promising start, will he join the ranks of the elite first-round wideouts that have come from this storied program?
Ohio State’s Legacy of Wide Receivers
Ohio State has a rich history of producing wide receivers who have made significant impacts in the NFL. The list includes current stars and even a Hall of Famer. For many years, Cris Carter was the most notable alum, having enjoyed a stellar 16-year career that culminated in his induction into the Hall of Fame. However, Carter entered the league as a fourth-round supplemental draft pick, which raises an intriguing question: can Smith surpass even the legendary Carter in terms of impact and accolades?
Comparing Smith to Ohio State Greats
When we look at Smith’s performance, it’s essential to compare it to other prominent Ohio State receivers. The Buckeyes have produced a plethora of first-round picks, including names like Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn, and more recently, Marvin Harrison Jr. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the NFL, but Smith’s freshman year is already better than any other first-year performance in Ohio State history. This begs the question: could he be the best wide receiver to ever come out of Ohio State?
Ohio State WRs in the NFL (first-round picks)
| Name | Year | Pick | Team |
| Joey Galloway | 1995 | No. 8 | Seattle Seahawks |
| Terry Glenn | 1996 | No. 7 | New England Patriots |
| David Boston | 1999 | No. 8 | Arizona Cardinals |
| Michael Jenkins | 2004 | No. 29 | Atlanta Falcons |
| Santonio Holmes | 2006 | No. 25 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Ted Ginn Jr. | 2007 | No. 10 | Miami Dolphins |
| Anthony Gonzalez | 2007 | No. 32 | Indianapolis Colts |
| Garrett Wilson | 2022 | No. 10 | New York Jets |
| Chris Olave | 2022 | No. 11 | New Orleans Saints |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 2023 | No. 20 | Seattle Seahawks |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 2024 | No. 4 | Arizona Cardinals |
Current Ohio State Stars in the NFL
The legacy of Ohio State wide receivers continues to thrive in the NFL today. Garrett Wilson, drafted by the New York Jets in 2022, has been a standout despite facing quarterback inconsistency. He has managed to produce three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to kick off his career. How impressive is that?
Chris Olave, selected just one pick after Wilson, has also made waves with the New Orleans Saints. He had two 1,000-yard seasons to start his career but has faced some challenges this season due to concussion issues.
Then there’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who may not be the most recognized name among Ohio State alums, but he is certainly making a name for himself. The Seattle Seahawks’ first-round pick in 2023 broke out in 2024 with 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Marvin Harrison Jr., touted as a generational talent, was drafted No. 4 overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Although he had an uneven rookie season with 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, the potential is undeniable.
And let’s not forget Terry McLaurin, the veteran of the group. Drafted in the third round in 2019, McLaurin has consistently produced, racking up five straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Washington Commanders. His reliability and performance make him one of the most consistent players in the league.
The Future of Ohio State WRs
As Jeremiah Smith continues to shine on the field, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his career unfolds. Will he follow in the footsteps of these incredible Ohio State wide receivers? With his current trajectory, it seems likely that he will not only break records but also make a significant impact in the NFL. The excitement surrounding his potential is palpable, and as he prepares for the next chapter, one thing is certain: the future looks bright for both Smith and Ohio State’s legacy in the world of football.
