Despite an extraordinary season from Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the highly coveted Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award was awarded to Texas linebacker Colin Simmons. Smith, a true freshman, had an exceptional debut season for the Buckeyes, surpassing all expectations. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Smith was the top-ranked recruit coming out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida. As a former five-star recruit, Smith made an immediate impact at Ohio State, quickly asserting himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the nation. His ability to excel on the field and produce big plays in critical moments quickly set him apart as one of the top young players in college football.
Throughout the season, Smith displayed an incredible combination of size, speed, and skill that made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He led the Buckeyes in receiving yards with a total of 1,037 yards and scored an impressive 12 touchdowns on 63 receptions. Not only did Smith lead his team in these categories, but his numbers were also the best among all freshmen across the country. His ability to make explosive plays in key moments helped Ohio State maintain its status as one of the top teams in the nation. The 6-foot-3 receiver became a major weapon for the Buckeyes, showcasing his versatility and talent on a variety of routes and consistently making big plays down the field.
However, despite his remarkable season and the high expectations surrounding him, Smith was not selected for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award. Instead, the honor went to Texas linebacker Colin Simmons, a fellow five-star recruit who also had an outstanding season of his own. Simmons, standing out for his play on the defensive side of the ball, racked up 39 total tackles and made an incredible impact with 13 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. In addition to his ability to rush the passer, Simmons showed his well-rounded skills by adding an interception and forcing three fumbles. His stellar performance played a crucial role in Texas’ successful season and their spot in the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns’ defense was one of the best in the country, and Simmons was at the heart of it, showing his immense potential as a future star.
Texas will now face Arizona State in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal, a matchup that will highlight two of the top teams in college football this season. Meanwhile, Ohio State, with a strong 11-2 record, will take on No. 1 Oregon in a Rose Bowl quarterfinal. The Buckeyes’ showdown with Oregon is expected to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting highly talented rosters. In the lead-up to this highly anticipated game, Smith addressed his thoughts on missing out on the Freshman of the Year award and took a mature approach in discussing his feelings.
During a press conference, Smith shared his perspective, acknowledging the impressive season that Colin Simmons had for Texas. “Colin is a great player as well,” Smith said. “I can’t really knock him.” He went on to express his respect for Simmons and his understanding that awards like this are subjective and often go to those who make a significant impact in different ways. Smith also took the time to recognize the guidance he received from a former winner of the award, Shaun Alexander, who earned the Freshman of the Year honor in 2019. “Shaun (Alexander) is a great guy. I talked to him two weeks ago. He’s a great guy. I learned a lot of things from him.” Smith’s humble approach and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from someone with Alexander’s experience reflect a level of maturity that sets him apart as both a player and a person.
While Smith may have missed out on the prestigious Freshman of the Year award, he still received plenty of recognition for his outstanding performance throughout the season. His remarkable statistics and contributions to Ohio State’s offense earned him several individual accolades, including Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten honors, and second-team All-America honors. These awards further demonstrate how impactful Smith was for the Buckeyes in his first season and solidify his place as one of the top freshmen in college football.
In addition to his individual success, Smith’s performance played a crucial role in Ohio State’s overall success this season. The Buckeyes’ offense was dynamic and potent, and Smith was a key reason for their offensive firepower. His ability to create separation from defenders and make plays down the field was a constant threat for opposing teams, and his chemistry with Ohio State’s quarterback helped elevate the team’s offense to new heights. Smith’s season has helped reinforce the idea that Ohio State is a national powerhouse, with top-tier talent at nearly every position, and his presence on the field makes the Buckeyes a formidable opponent in the postseason.
As Ohio State prepares for its upcoming Rose Bowl matchup against No. 1 Oregon, Smith remains focused on helping his team achieve success in the postseason. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day, with the Buckeyes listed as 2.5-point favorites according to ESPN BET. While the Freshman of the Year award may have eluded him, Smith’s performance this season has already proven that he has the potential to be one of the best players in college football in the coming years. Looking ahead, Smith is determined to continue his development and contribute to Ohio State’s pursuit of a national championship. His bright future in college football is undeniable, and his journey has only just begun.