Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith puts huge hype on freshman RB Legend Bey

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith with running back Legend Bey. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith puts huge hype on freshman RB Legend Bey

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 10:15 PM ET

Bo Jackson is going to get all the attention when it comes to the running back position for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2026.

There's a reason for that, too. Jackson, as a true freshman, appeared in 13 games for the Buckeyes in 2025 and made 10 starts. He totaled 1,090 rushing yards and six touchdowns while also notching 200 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.

Jackson was incredible for the Buckeyes, and he's expected to be one of the best running backs in the country this season. His equally elite (if not more) teammate, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, recently put some major hype on another Ohio State running back heading into this season, though.

Speaking with the Ohio State website Eleven Warriors, OSU's top wideout and (likely) the best player in the nation shouted out freshman running back Legend Bey.

“I think I said this back in spring. I said to Luke Montgomery, I said, ‘Before Legend Bey leave Ohio State, he’ll be a Heisman finalist or he’ll end up winning it.’ The things he’s been doing in practice has been pretty special," Smith said.

Jeremiah Smith’s quote on Legend Bey: “I think I said this back in spring. I said to Luke Montgomery, I said, ‘Before Legend Bey leave Ohio State, he’ll be a Heisman finalist or he’ll end up winning it.’ The things he’s been doing in practice has been pretty special.”
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) August 26, 2026

Legend Bey could become a star for the Ohio State Buckeyes as a freshman

As Jackson did, Bey has a chance to make an impact as a freshman because of his incredible amount of talent. He checks in at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, out of Forney, Texas, and he was one of the best overall athletes in the country as a recruit.

Bey was ranked as the No. 5 athlete in the country after flashing some major playmaking abilities as a quarterback for North Forney High School. As a senior in 10 games, Bey threw for 1,341 yards and 15 touchdowns (three interceptions) while rushing for 1,626 yards and 23 touchdowns.

He's now fully focused on being a running back at Ohio State, and the sky is the limit. After a brief hiccup early in camp, head coach Ryan Day seems to believe that the former five-star recruit can be a massive addition for the Buckeyes in 2026.

“Legend is learning how to play the position, but you certainly can see the talent,” Day said in mid-August. “He had some big plays, some explosive plays today. I think if he continues to grow and continues to get better, all of those things, take care of the football. You can see what a weapon he can become for us.”

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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