Ryan Day doesn’t ‘think it’s even close’ as to who the best player in the country is
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of an incredibly good start to the 2025 season. While expectations were for the Buckeyes to be respectable after losing half their starters and both coordinators, this team actually looks more dominant than the championship-winning one. Part of the reason why is that stars like Jeremiah Smith […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of an incredibly good start to the 2025 season. While expectations were for the Buckeyes to be respectable after losing half their starters and both coordinators, this team actually looks more dominant than the championship-winning one. Part of the reason why is that stars like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs are back, and Arvell Reese has transformed into a freak presence for the defense.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has built an insanely good team and the Buckeyes are at the top of polls for good reason. His defense is the best in the nation and his offense has had very few issues moving the ball up and down the field. After walloping Minnesota 42-3, Day was clear in his thoughts about one of his stars.
Even while Carnell Tate exploded with 183 yards on nine catches, Smith continues to be the main draw for the offense. Catching seven passes for 67 yards and two scores helped the sophomore further push his production up the rankings.
Ryan Day calls Jeremiah Smith the best player in the country
Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is completing 80.2% of his passes with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, largely because of how insanely talented the group around him is. Smith is the head honcho of that group, regardless of whether he’s leading the team in touches or not. Tate and Max Klare are coming off their best games this season because so much attention was given to Smith.
“I don’t think it’s close that Jeremiah Smith is the best offensive player in college football. If it’s close, I’d like to know who it is,” Day proclaimed after his team’s latest win.
On Tate: “Someone can say, ‘We’re going to put four guys on Jeremiah.’” He said that when you have Tate and Klare, there’s an opportunity for each as less attention is dealt their way.
It’s hard to say Day is wrong. Smith, at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, is a physical menace. He’s leading the Big Ten with 35 receptions and six touchdowns, and leads the team with 463 yards.
