The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events for college football players as they prepare for the next level of their careers. It’s a chance for them to showcase their skills, fitness, and mental fortitude in front of coaches, scouts, and general managers from all 32 NFL teams. While the Combine is typically seen as a proving ground for established college stars, sometimes it also offers a platform for younger talent to be noticed. One such freshman who turned heads at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was Jeremiah Smith, a wide receiver from Ohio State University who has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the nation.
Jeremiah Smith may have only played one season for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but his performance in 2024 was enough to make a lasting impression. His remarkable speed, route-running ability, and natural hands were highlighted during his freshman campaign, and NFL scouts have taken notice. However, it wasn’t just his impressive first year that caught the eyes of defenders during the NFL Combine; it was his potential to dominate the professional level for years to come.
As the 2025 Combine approaches, Jeremiah Smith has become a prime focus for defenders looking to measure their skills against one of the most promising young talents in the game. In this article, we’ll explore who Jeremiah Smith is, how he made his mark at Ohio State, and why NFL defenders are so keen to test their skills against him at the Combine. Additionally, we’ll look at the broader context of how the NFL Combine works and how Smith’s rise could influence both his draft stock and the future of the NFL.
Jeremiah Smith’s Journey to Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith’s path to Ohio State University was filled with promise and anticipation. As a highly sought-after recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, Smith was a consensus five-star recruit. He had the ideal mix of size, speed, and agility that college programs dream of. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, he combined the physicality of an NFL receiver with a natural burst of speed that often left defenders in the dust.
What made Smith such an exciting prospect was his combination of vertical explosiveness and the ability to separate with ease. His junior and senior years of high school were marked by spectacular performances on the field, including 80+ yard touchdown receptions, the kind of plays that would make any scout sit up and take notice. He was widely regarded as the top wide receiver recruit in the 2024 class and was courted by nearly every top program in the country. However, his commitment to Ohio State was solidified early in his recruitment, thanks to the school’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent at the wide receiver position.
Once he arrived at Ohio State, Smith quickly adapted to the speed of college football. His strong work ethic and dedication to learning from veteran players allowed him to find immediate success. During the 2024 season, Smith recorded over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes to a highly successful campaign. His quick transition from high school star to college standout was a testament to both his talent and his ability to learn and improve under the guidance of a top-tier coaching staff.
A Freshman Who Makes an Immediate Impact
Jeremiah Smith’s freshman season was a showcase of what the future holds for this young talent. He earned immediate playing time, stepping into a high-pressure situation at one of the country’s premier football programs. Ohio State, known for producing wide receiver talent such as Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson, was the perfect stage for Smith to shine.
Throughout the season, Smith demonstrated the skills that made him one of the most coveted wide receivers in the country. His physical gifts were evident, with elite acceleration off the line of scrimmage and an ability to go up and high-point the ball. Whether it was running quick slants or taking the top off the defense with deep posts, Smith displayed a wide variety of routes and showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the competition.
One of Smith’s most memorable performances came in a late-season game against Michigan, where he recorded 10 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch was particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to make an immediate impact in critical situations. Smith’s performance not only helped secure a crucial victory for Ohio State, but it also further cemented his status as one of the top freshman wide receivers in the nation.
His remarkable ability to contribute as a freshman at a high-profile school like Ohio State was a testament to his immense talent and work ethic. As the season wore on, NFL scouts began to take notice, and whispers around the league grew louder: Jeremiah Smith might just be the next big thing at wide receiver.
NFL Combine: Defenders Notice Smith’s Potential
The NFL Scouting Combine, held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the most crucial evaluation event for players hoping to make the jump from college to the pros. Scouts and general managers from NFL teams gather to assess prospects’ physical and mental attributes, ranging from 40-yard dash times to interviews that help teams understand the players’ personalities and work ethics.
While many of the top players at the Combine are looking to solidify their positions and improve their draft stock, Smith entered the event with already impressive credentials. Having played just one season at Ohio State, he was still considered a bit of a wildcard for the upcoming NFL Draft. However, that didn’t stop NFL defenders from noticing him at the Combine and eagerly waiting to face off with the rising star.
For defenders, facing a receiver like Smith presents a unique challenge. His blend of size, speed, and route-running makes him a nightmare to cover. His ability to separate from defenders with ease makes him a dynamic playmaker, and his catching radius allows him to dominate in contested situations. NFL teams were particularly interested in seeing how he would perform against the top defensive backs in the Combine, as these matchups would offer insight into how well he could compete against the best of the best at the next level.
Smith’s Combine Performance: A Showcase of Skills
During the 2025 Combine, Smith turned heads with his impressive measurements and athleticism. He clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, placing him among the fastest receivers at the event. His burst off the line was one of the best seen at the Combine, and it confirmed what scouts had already suspected—Smith has elite speed that will be an asset at the NFL level.
In addition to his speed, Smith showcased his agility during the three-cone drill, where he exhibited sharp, fluid cuts and quick change-of-direction ability. His fluidity in and out of breaks showed that he could be a nightmare for defenders when running routes, whether on deep go routes or sharp-breaking intermediate routes.
However, it wasn’t just Smith’s athleticism that stood out—it was his overall understanding of the game and his work ethic. Throughout the Combine’s positional drills, Smith demonstrated an innate understanding of how to separate from defenders, with precise footwork and excellent hand placement when catching passes. The combination of his athletic gifts and football IQ made it clear to scouts and defenders alike that Smith was capable of dominating the NFL level. Many defenders at the Combine knew that they would soon have to face off with one of the most dynamic and well-rounded wide receiver prospects in recent years.
What Defenders Are Saying About Jeremiah Smith
NFL defenders were quick to voice their respect for Smith’s talents. Many of the league’s top defensive backs and pass rushers had already been exposed to Ohio State’s star receiver on film, and their thoughts on him were consistent: Smith is the real deal.
“I faced some tough competition in college, but I knew right away when I saw Smith on tape that he would be a tough matchup for anyone in the league,” said Jalen Ramsey, a Pro Bowl cornerback. “He’s a big guy who can run like a smaller receiver, and he has that natural ability to make defenders miss. I’ll be looking forward to competing against him in the NFL.”
Jaire Alexander, another top cornerback, echoed those sentiments. “Smith’s combination of size, speed, and hands makes him a top-tier receiver. There’s no question in my mind that he’s going to be a force in the NFL.”
The Future of Jeremiah Smith in the NFL
As Smith’s NFL Combine performance came to an end, it was clear that his place in the NFL Draft was all but locked in. Scouts, defenders, and analysts all agreed that he had the potential to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some projecting him to be selected in the first round.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Smith’s ability to challenge NFL defenders is something that will define his career. The potential to be a future Pro Bowl receiver, like many of the Ohio State wide receivers before him, is certainly within reach. His explosive playmaking ability and dominant physical traits will only continue to develop as he transitions from college to the professional ranks.
In conclusion, Jeremiah Smith’s remarkable freshman year at Ohio State caught the attention of NFL scouts, and his performance at the 2025 NFL Combine confirmed his status as one of the most talented and versatile wide receiver prospects in years. As defenders continue to notice his potential, Smith is poised to make a huge impact in the NFL. Whether he ends up being a top-five pick or a mid-first-round selection, his future in the league looks incredibly bright.
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