Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith sends message to Buckeye Nation that will grow his hype even more

At a program like Ohio State, it is hard to find a freshman who can step in and be a difference-maker on Day 1. A freshman who is far and away different from the rest of his class and well ahead you could say.

It appears the Buckeyes have that in Jeremiah Smith and the former five-star recruit is set to have a role from Day 1 for the Buckeyes when they kick off their 2024 season.

As the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2024, there is no shortage of hype around the player that Smith can be in Columbus. Though impressively enough, there was an answer by Smith on said hype that was actually the perfect reaction.

“I know the pressure all around me is very high right now. I don’t want to feed into that, I just want to play football, win games, and win a National Championship,” Smith said at a recent NIL event.

While Smith is very talented and will have a role in the offense , there is a ton of talent around him that will take the pressure off of him. Emeka Egbuka could have gone to the NFL but opted to return for his senior season and is looked at as the leader in the room. Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss are both second-year guys who will be relied on.

“Just coming in here to learn,” Smith said on the early mission. “You got guys that have been here like Emeka [Egbuka], Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss who have been here. If I have to wait my time, then I have to wait my time. Marvin Harrison did it, why can’t I do it?”

Smith is built like a defined college player at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. That alone is a big difference between him and your transitional offense.

“I just come in each and every day and want to be the best player that I can be. Just give my all in practices and show my coaches that they can trust me out there on Saturdays.”

Brian Hartline has a one-of-a-kind talent that has the chance to be his most special player yet that is drafted, eventually. Working the way towards that starts in Year 1 and potentially having an early impact.

"I just want to continue the legacy and just go out there to play football.”

Related: Ohio State beats out top Florida programs to add another 2025 commitment for Larry Johnson