Ohio State freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith arrived in Columbus this offseason as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class and the highest-rated receiver to commit to the Buckeyes in the modern recruiting era. He’s been compared to future Pro Hall of Famer Julio Jones and is widely considered an instant impact player at the next level. He’s also fine with waiting his turn, just like Marvin Harrison Jr.
“Expectations for myself? I mean, I’m just coming in to learn,” Smith said this week, via WBNS 10TV. “You’ve got guys that have been here like Emeka (Egbuka) and Carnell (Tate). Brandon Innis, too. If I have to wait my time, I have to wait my time. Marvin Harrison Jr. did it; why can’t I do it? I’m just trying to be the best teammate I can be and just support the other guys when they go out there and play.”
National recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna said he expects Smith won’t have to wait very long to see the field and wouldn’t be surprised if he leads the Buckeyes in receptions this fall.
“I was reading quotes from some of his teammates, Will Howard included, the other day,” Petagna said, via the 247Sports Football Recruiting Podcast. “Hearing those guys talk about him and what type of player he is and the fact that he got there early and enrolled in spring — we know what type of dude this is. I expect the phenomenon of Julio Jones when he was at Alabama.”
Transfer quarterback Julian Sayin could have been an day-one starter at plenty of Power Five programs after he entered the portal out of Alabama this offseason. However, he opted to put himself in one of the deepest, most talented quarterback rooms in the nation next season. Like Smith, he said he welcomes competition and wants to earn a starting role.
“I’m just ready to learn and develop from Coach (Ryan) Day,” Sayin said. “He’s a great quarterback whisperer. I’m just really excited to be a part of the guys and be a part of the group and contribute the best way I can. The quarterback room is really close. There are a lot of great guys in there, and then we have Coach (Chip) Kelly coaching us. It’s been great. It’s been good just to be with the guys, learning and developing and taking tips and tricks from them.”
Sayin rated as the No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 class and was among the earliest Ohio State newcomers to have his black stripe removed this offseason. He’s battling fellow transfer Will Howard, returnee Devin Brown and four-star freshman Air Noland for the starting job.
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“Outside of Will Howard, Ohio State has a lot of talent but a lot of inexperience,” Petagna said. “Julian Sayin is a guy who’s turned a lot of heads as a true freshman. The supporting cast is there to compete for a national championship. They need somebody to keep them ahead of the sticks. Sayin is one of the most-polished freshmen in the nation. He’s in a position to play early. Ohio State gives a young true freshman the best chance of being successful early. I don’t know if he’s going to be the guy, but I expect Ryan Day to work with some urgency and find a way to get him on the field.”