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Jeremiah Smith Reveals Major Change in Physical Appearance Ahead of Ohio State's Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 7:25 PM ET

Jeremiah Smith may find it difficult to top a 2024 season in which he sent freshman records tumbling as the Ohio State Buckeyes won the national championship, but he is taking as many steps as he can to try.

Smith is among the favorites to contend for the Heisman Trophy in 2025 after his phenomenal first season in college football, one which saw him break the freshman record for total receiving yards (1,224), receptions (70), and receiving touchdowns (14).

And he is making some significant physical changes in a bid to reach an even higher level of play this year.

In an interview with The Athletic, Smith said: "I changed my eating habits — just eating healthy food, salmon, rice with vegetables.

"I’m at 225 pounds now. I was at 205 or 208 when I got there. Body fat, I think I’m second lowest on the team. I just did 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench and ran 22 (miles per hour) in a game."

Smith, listed at 215 pounds by the Buckeyes, obviously wouldn't want to get much bigger than 225 playing receiver. However, if his claims are correct, then they indicate he will head into his second season with a blend of size and speed reminiscent of Julio Jones.

After his freshman season, Smith was already a scary proposition for defenders. His change in weight could make him even more frightening.

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

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