Jeremiah Smith, the phenom wide receiver from Ohio State, just claimed the top spot in the college football Top 150 player rankings for the 2026 season. Get this: he was also the preseason No. 1 last year! This isn’t just about talent anymore, this is about a guy who could go wire-to-wire as the best player in the country, and that’s just insane to think about.
A Unicorn Receiver Ready to Take Over
Calling Smith a “generational talent” feels like an understatement. The guy is a straight-up unicorn, probably the best receiving prospect any evaluator has ever seen. We’re talking about a player with exceptional length and speed, who can run through defenders *after* the catch. He’s the kind of dude whose mere presence on the field opens up plays for his teammates. When Smith gets his shots, he absolutely delivers. Honestly, the only thing holding him back from being considered the best prospect *regardless of position* is a slight improvement in his willingness to consistently block. Think about that for a second. We’re talking about a potential all-time college great right here. This kid can take over a game every time he touches the football, and we’re all about to witness it.
The Volatility of Rankings & The Moore Question
Right behind Smith at No. 2 is Oregon QB Dante Moore. And honestly, it’s still pretty puzzling that Moore decided to return to Eugene, even though he’s clearly a no-brainer top five NFL Draft pick. He’ll definitely be well-compensated for coming back, but it shows you the kind of impact he brings. Ranking these players is always an inexact science, a wild ride where you dive deep into the tape of nearly 500 guys, focusing on college production, consistency, talent, and overall impact. It’s not just about the NFL Draft projection, it’s about what they do right now. And here’s the kicker: no freshmen ever make this preseason list. This means we’re only looking at proven college studs.
Last year, the midseason and postseason rankings saw different players at the top, like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and then Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. Remember how Cade Klubnik, LaNorris Sellers, and Garrett Nussmeier were tabbed for 2025 superstardom a year ago? Things change fast in college football. Injuries happen, established stars can underperform, and out of nowhere, you get breakout players nobody saw coming in August.
So, while Smith starts at the top, this list is just a starting point. Can he really go wire-to-wire and hold that No. 1 spot all season? The 2026 campaign is just getting started, and you know we’ll be watching every snap to see how it all unfolds.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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