Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is “the biggest cheat code in the sport,” according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic. That’s a huge statement, especially when you consider it came up while Brugler was trying to assess Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin. Having a target like Smith, Brugler noted, can totally mask a quarterback’s weaknesses, making them look way better than they actually are. It’s like playing a video game on easy mode, but in real life.
Smith’s Collegiate Numbers Are Breaking Records (And Minds)
This “cheat code” talk isn’t just hype, either. Nick Baumgardner, also from The Athletic, went as far as to put Smith on the “Calvin Johnson/Julio Jones dance floor” among the best college receiver prospects we’ve seen this century. Think about that for a second: Megatron and Julio. Those are Hall of Fame names. Smith is backing it up with insane production, currently leading the entire FBS in three major receiving categories. He’s stacked up 44 receptions for a whopping 823 yards and nine touchdowns already this season. And get this: he’s now Ohio State’s all-time leader in all three of those stats. He’s passed legends like Michael Jenkins, David Boston, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s a serious list of talent he’s left in his rearview mirror.
The Marvin Harrison Jr. Comparison and Why Smith Is Different
Smith’s incredible performance has him sitting pretty at the top of the Bleacher Report big board with a ridiculous 9.8 overall grade. He even went first overall to the Miami Dolphins in the B/R mock draft. But here’s where it gets interesting: some talent evaluators might pause because of Marvin Harrison Jr.’s struggles in the pros. Harrison Jr. was supposed to be a can’t-miss prospect, and he even had a Hall of Fame receiver for a dad, which added to the hype. But Smith is actually surpassing Harrison’s collegiate achievements. The highlights speak for themselves, telling a story that’s impossible to ignore. Unless something completely unexpected happens, this kid is going to anchor an NFL passing game for a very, very long time.
At his current pace, the big question isn’t even if Smith is the best player in the 2027 class. It’s whether the team with the No. 1 overall pick will value the quarterback position enough to actually bypass him. That’s how good this guy is. He’s building a legacy that might one day have fans reminiscing about his college days the same way they talk about Calvin Johnson or Randy Moss.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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