Jeremiah Smith Reveals Ohio State Buckeyes Defender He’s Excited About
Ohio State is a football powerhouse, and every year, it seems like there’s a new crop of players ready to make their mark on the program. Recently, one of the nation’s most coveted wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith, opened up about a player from the Ohio State defense that he’s particularly excited about heading into the 2025 season. Smith, a five-star wide receiver who has already committed to the Buckeyes, is known for his electrifying playmaking ability and understanding of the game. His insight into the potential of the Ohio State defense gives us a rare and valuable perspective as we look ahead to a new season filled with high expectations for both sides of the ball.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been known for their powerful offense, headlined by quarterbacks and wide receivers that set records year after year. However, under head coach Ryan Day, the program has made considerable strides in improving its defense, and it’s players like the one Jeremiah Smith is excited about that are central to that transformation.
In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of Jeremiah Smith’s comments and explore why he’s so high on one particular defender. We’ll also take a closer look at the rising star he’s talking about, examining his past performances, potential for the 2025 season, and how he fits into Ohio State’s defensive plans. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a deeper understanding of why Jeremiah Smith believes this player will have a breakout year and why the Buckeyes’ defense is becoming just as feared as their offense.
Ohio State’s Evolution: From Offensive Juggernaut to Balanced Powerhouse
For years, Ohio State’s offense has been its calling card. With playmakers like Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud under center, the Buckeyes have consistently boasted one of the most potent offenses in college football. Wide receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and, of course, the incoming Smith have kept defenses on their heels, often putting up gaudy numbers in both the passing and running game.
However, as the competition in the Big Ten and on the national stage has grown fiercer, Ohio State has had to evolve beyond its offensive dominance. The defense has undergone a transformation over the past few seasons, with the Buckeyes looking to match their high-scoring offense with a defense that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the country.
In 2024, the Ohio State defense showed flashes of brilliance. The defensive line, with its formidable pass-rushers, generated constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while the secondary, led by veterans, improved drastically in pass coverage. However, there were still moments where the defense faltered, particularly in critical games. To compete for a national title in 2025, Ohio State will need to solidify its defensive identity, and much of that responsibility will fall on a few key players who are ready to step up.
This brings us to the player Jeremiah Smith has singled out—one who he believes has the potential to make a significant impact and help the Buckeyes become a more complete team.
Jeremiah Smith’s Rising Star: A Defender Ready to Break Out
Jeremiah Smith recently revealed his excitement about one particular Ohio State defender: JT Tuimoloau. The highly touted defensive lineman from the state of Washington has quickly become one of the most dominant forces on the Ohio State defense, and Smith is eager to see what he can do in 2025.
Tuimoloau, a former five-star recruit, burst onto the scene during his freshman season in 2022, showing flashes of brilliance. His size, strength, and athleticism allowed him to excel at both defensive end and outside linebacker. With a rare combination of size and speed, he became a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. However, despite his immense talent, Tuimoloau’s progression has been somewhat gradual. The expectations were sky-high when he arrived in Columbus, and while he’s made plays, the consistency needed to be considered a true game-changer has been just out of reach.
But Jeremiah Smith believes 2025 could be the year Tuimoloau fully realizes his potential. Having seen him up close during practices and in scrimmages, Smith is confident that Tuimoloau is primed for a breakout year. According to Smith, “JT is an animal. The way he moves for a guy his size is just crazy. I’ve never seen someone like that on the field, and I think this is going to be the year where he really puts it all together.”
It’s not hard to see why Smith is so excited. Tuimoloau possesses a rare combination of physical attributes that make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in college football. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 270 pounds, he’s a versatile player who can line up on the edge or even as a linebacker in certain situations. His speed and burst off the line of scrimmage make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, while his size allows him to overpower offensive linemen and disrupt plays in the backfield.
What Makes Tuimoloau Special: The Perfect Blend of Size and Speed
JT Tuimoloau’s skill set is a big reason why he has the potential to be the next great defensive star at Ohio State. His size and physicality are obvious, but it’s his speed and agility that truly set him apart from other players at his position. Tuimoloau has the rare ability to combine brute strength with the kind of quickness typically reserved for smaller, faster players.
Tuimoloau’s pass-rush ability is perhaps his most enticing trait. In his first two seasons at Ohio State, he’s shown that he can generate pressure on quarterbacks with regularity. His ability to bend around the edge and close on the quarterback is reminiscent of some of the best pass-rushers in recent memory. Additionally, his quick hands and technique allow him to shed blockers with ease and make plays in the backfield. In 2024, Tuimoloau recorded 8 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt the offensive flow of any game.
But it’s not just his pass-rushing skills that make Tuimoloau so valuable to Ohio State’s defense. His run-stopping ability is equally impressive. He’s tough to move off the ball and has the strength to disengage from blockers while still maintaining leverage. His ability to set the edge and keep plays from getting to the outside will be key for the Buckeyes in 2025, especially with the increased focus on stopping the run in today’s high-powered college football landscape.
A Game Changer for Ohio State’s Defense
For Ohio State to take the next step and challenge for a national championship in 2025, they’ll need their defense to be as dynamic as their offense. JT Tuimoloau is one of the key pieces in that equation, and Jeremiah Smith’s excitement about his potential is a reflection of the expectations surrounding the Buckeyes’ defense this season.
Tuimoloau’s ability to get after the quarterback, disrupt the running game, and generate havoc in the backfield makes him a player to watch in 2025. His play will be critical in helping Ohio State’s defense take that next step, and if he can stay healthy and continue to improve his consistency, he could be a game-changer for the Buckeyes.
The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal year for Ohio State football, and the defense will play a crucial role in determining how far the team can go. With players like JT Tuimoloau leading the charge, the Buckeyes are poised to make a push for the College Football Playoff, and Jeremiah Smith’s belief in Tuimoloau’s potential could be a harbinger of bigger things to come for the program.
Looking Ahead: Tuimoloau’s Impact on Ohio State’s 2025 Season
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that JT Tuimoloau is a player who has the potential to be a true difference-maker for Ohio State. Jeremiah Smith’s comments only add to the growing excitement surrounding Tuimoloau’s prospects, and the Buckeyes will be looking to him to lead a defense that can hold its own against the elite offenses in college football.
Tuimoloau’s combination of size, strength, speed, and versatility makes him one of the most intriguing players in the country heading into the 2025 season. If he can stay healthy, continue to develop his skills, and live up to the hype, he has the potential to be one of the top defensive players in the nation.
As Ohio State continues its pursuit of a national championship, it will be players like JT Tuimoloau that will be at the forefront of their efforts. And with Jeremiah Smith’s endorsement, it’s clear that Tuimoloau is a player to watch as the Buckeyes aim for greatness in 2025.
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