Controversial former Buckeye sends strong message to Jeremiah Smith about his future at Ohio State
There are quite a few talking heads who have suggested over the last couple of months that Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who just wrapped up his true freshman season in Columbus, is ready to play in the NFL right now. And those folks are probably, for the most part, right. The former […]
There are quite a few talking heads who have suggested over the last couple of months that Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who just wrapped up his true freshman season in Columbus, is ready to play in the NFL right now.
And those folks are probably, for the most part, right.
The former five-star recruit was downright dominant at times as a true freshman in 2024, catching 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns while helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.
Physically, I don't think there's any doubt that Smith, 6-foot-3/215 lbs, could compete in the NFL right now.
Every now and then, a generational talent like Smith emerges in college football, leading to debates about whether the NFL draft eligibility rules should be changed (players have to be three years removed from high school to be draft eligible….Smith will be eligible in 2027).
Outside of elite talents, most players in college football aren't ready to go to the NFL after just three seasons. And players like Smith who are ready after one year in college are extremely rare. The three-year rule is important for the physical and mental development of young athletes before starting their pro careers.
Controversial former Buckeyes player sends message to Jeremiah Smith about his future at Ohio State
Former Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett, who tried to challenge the NFL draft eligibility rule 20 years ago, had some advice this week for Smith about his future in Columbus.
(Clarett was suspended by Ohio State for the 2003 season after his terrific true freshman season — 1,237 rushing yards in 2002).
Clarett doesn't think Smith should even think about challenging the NFL draft eligibility rules. Instead, he thinks he should just "enjoy" his next two seasons at Ohio State.
"I wouldn't advise him to try to challenge [the NFL], push or do anything I tried to do," said Clarett to CBS Sports in regards to Smith. "You'll be able to make money there. Just enjoy it all, man."
It's hard to argue against Clarett's advice. Smith might be physically ready to play in the NFL right now, but developing (mentally and physically) over the next two seasons will ensure that he's set-up for longterm success in the NFL.
And let's not forget that Smith is earning plenty of cash via his NIL deals (Smith was reportedly offered $4.5 million to leave Ohio State).
Smith only gets once chance to be a Buckeye. These next two seasons in Columbus will likely be some of the most enjoyable years of his football journey. The NFL isn't going anywhere — he'll be ready to dominate the league starting in 2027.
