The hero of Ohio State’s natty dreams and the architect of glory. This player was always destined to do great things, even when he didn’t know it. At 11 years old, when he was dropped from his school team, he even cried for the spot. His father, Chris Smith, didn’t console him. But, started a chapter of his life that will ultimately lead to where he is today. A chapter that has NFL glories, Super Bowls, and more CFB championships written in its destiny. This was the genesis of Ohio State’s prodigal hero: Jeremiah Smith.
Players will come and players will go, but the season that Jeremiah Smith had will be etched in OSU fans’ memories forever. A performance of a season plucked right out of footballing lore. That reaped him 1,315 receiving yards at a stellar average of 17.3 (yards per reception) with 15 touchdowns. The feat was unparalleled by a freshman player as he not only worked in the field. But, also showed his talent in the strength room. He became the first freshman at Ohio State to be named ‘Iron Buckeye’ by the strength and conditioning team. But, the question now is: Can he deliver the same in the 2025 season as well?
Joe Deleone, speaking on the ‘Ruffino & Joe Show’, talked about a slight concern that Jeremiah Smith and specifically Ryan Day may face in the 2025 season. “Last year, Jeremiah Smith was the number one option, but did not need to be. Because they had Treveyon Henderson, they had Quinshon Judkins, they had Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, whom they did get production out of. This upcoming year, you have a new quarterback, and you are a lot more depleted with options. And you also have the wide receivers coach who’s calling plays in Brian Hartline. So you’re now in this position we think you need to rely on Jeremiah Smith, in order to produce success. Because I don‘t know right now who for certain is going to be those next big options outside of Carnell Tate“.
What Joe Deleone is essentially trying to say is that various players in the RB and WR room won’t be there in 2025, which will create more pressure on Jeremiah Smith to perform. First being Treveyon Henderson, who also had an incredible season as he produced 1,016 rushing yards with 284 receiving yards. Then Quinshon Judkins, another running back, will be missed as he also produced 1,000+ rushing yards along with 161 receiving yards. Lastly, Emeka Egbuka, another wide receiver, will be losing eligibility, who had also produced 1,000+ receiving yards. This leaves the receiver somewhat inexperienced and lacking in depth.
Carnell Tate will be the only wide receiver who will be instrumental and experienced for the Buckeyes in the 2025 season. A player who produced 733 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns will surely have the ability to make that starting transition. Brandon Iniss is also another player who could step up and provide that solid backup option. But, he hasn’t seen that many snaps and was involved sparsely in the 2024 season.
However, if his game against Penn State is any guide to his talents, then surely he looks good, as his lone touchdown guided Ohio State to a win on the road. There would be some freshman additions too in Quincy Porter (WR), ranked 3rd WR in the 2025 class, Bodpegn Miller (WR), and De’zie Jones (WR). These players do look good, especially Quincy Porter. However, there can’t be enough said about their transition and ability levels at this point in time. Since their involvement will be contingent on them performing well in the spring practices.
Ryan Day makes feelings clear on Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline has now become the new offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. A wide receivers coach initially who has been on OSU’s staff since 2017. Last season, he was demoted to the wide receivers coach for the incoming Chip Kelly. After he served as OC for one season in 2023, however, Ryan Day called games primarily. Now that he has become an OC, questions are being raised if he can do the same job that Chip Kelly did with Ohio State.
After a week into the spring practices, Ryan Day made clear what he expects from his new OC. “It’s different than just calling a play like it was in the past,” Ryan Day said. “Now you’re actually saying it to the quarterback, and that’s something that Chip did every single day, whether it was a walkthrough or it was at practice. And I think that’s something we need to continue as much as we can. One of the things we talked about was having enough interaction with the quarterbacks so that he does know and he’s on the same page”.
What Ryan Day wants from his OC is coordination and being in sync with the quarterbacks. Not just sit in the OC box and deliver instructions. The goal is to be the second mind of the quarterback. Constantly delivering play calls and strategies that go beyond normal playbooks. If Hartline can do just that, then Chip Kelly’s departure will surely not hurt. And his work with the receivers will also reap benefits in the long run.
The post Pressure Mounts on Jeremiah Smith Amid OSU’s Mass Exodus as Ryan Day Sends Clear Message to Brian Hartline appeared first on EssentiallySports.