Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Earns Massive Shoutout from ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 8:59 PM ET

Jeremiah Smith burst onto the college football scene with one of the best true freshmen season in recent memory, capped off with a College Football Playoff National Championship win over Notre Dame back in January.

The rising sophomore put up 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns, and he ranked fourth in FBS in receiving yards and he was tied for the second-most touchdown catches.

Smith was named Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and he also took home first-team All-Big Ten, second-team All-American, and Rose Bowl MVP honors.

The 19-year-old wideout was one of 50 players named to the Fred Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list along with teammates Carnell Tate and tight end Max Klare.

During his preseason Herbie Awards on Friday, ESPN “College GameDay” host Kirk Herbstreit honored Smith with the award for Best Wide Receiver.

Jeremiah Smith wins @KirkHerbstreit's preseason award for BEST WIDE RECEIVER pic.twitter.com/82Xe64v1O6
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 23, 2025

Smith’s Herbie award recognition is just the latest in a long line of preseason accolades that includes preseason All-America honors from USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and CBS Sports, and being named the CBS Sports preseason Player of the Year.

There’s plenty of hype surrounding Smith heading into his sophomore season, which he recently stated he’s been making an effort to tune out during an appearance on “The Triple Option” podcast.

“I’ve been handling it very well,” Smith said. “I come from humble beginnings. I don’t let all that stuff get to my head. I just focus on the main thing, and that’s football and the team.

“So, I don’t let all that — you know, all the awards I’m up for, and all the hype around my name (affect that). I just want to focus on the team and focus on football.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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