Despite a standout season for Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the highly anticipated Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award eluded the true freshman. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith, who was ranked the No. 1 recruit coming out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, showcased his exceptional talent on the national stage this year. As a former five-star recruit, Smith exploded onto the scene, leading the Buckeyes in receiving yards with an impressive 1,037 yards, alongside 12 touchdowns on 63 receptions.
As Ohio State (11-2), seeded No. 8, prepares for its College Football Playoff showdown against top-seeded Oregon (13-0) in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, Smith broke his silence regarding the freshman of the year award, which was instead given to Texas linebacker Colin Simmons. The 5-star linebacker had an equally impressive season, recording 39 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, an interception, and three forced fumbles for the Longhorns. Texas (12-2), ranked No. 5, will take on No. 4 Arizona State (11-2) in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal.
In a press conference, Smith acknowledged Simmons’ remarkable performance, offering nothing but respect for his fellow freshman. “Colin is a great player as well,” Smith stated. “I can’t really knock him.” Smith also mentioned a conversation with Shaun Alexander, the former Alabama tailback who earned the honor of being the Freshman of the Year in 1999, saying, “I talked to him two weeks ago. He’s a great guy. I learned a lot of things.”
While Smith may have missed out on the prestigious award, his achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. He earned several other accolades for his stellar season, including Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and second-team All-America honors. His remarkable performances have solidified his reputation as one of the top young talents in college football.
As the Buckeyes gear up for their high-stakes matchup against Oregon on New Year’s Day at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN), Smith’s impressive season serves as a reminder of his skill and potential. Ohio State enters the game as 2.5-point favorites, according to ESPN BET, and Smith’s performance in the playoff will surely be one of the key storylines as he aims to further prove his place among college football’s elite.