Ryan Day Talks Jeremiah Smith at Big Ten Media Days: Ohio State Star Might Be Even Better

“He’s gotten bigger and stronger and faster than he was last year,” Day said on Tuesday. “He was at workouts the other day, and Mick constantly says during our warmups, he’s the first guy every time we run through and we’re warming up. The first guy every single time. He just set such a standard, and you don’t need to motivate Jeremiah.”

Smith was a major cog in Ohio State’s run to the national title in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, delivering explosive plays and dependable production each week.

Now, even as a rising sophomore, his maturity and work ethic continue to draw praise.

“And what he did as a freshman speaks for itself,” Day added. “And like you said, he may not be, you know, an older guy. He may not be really vocal in terms of his leadership, but what he does on the field speaks for itself. And the work ethic he’s brought into this year has been exceptional. And I think that deserves an opportunity to be here today, and that’s why he’s here.”

Smith will lead one of the deepest receiver rooms in the country as Ohio State looks to defend its title and repeat in 2025.