Jeremiah Smith Named Top Returning College Football Receiver

Columbus, Ohio — Pro Football Focus has ranked Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the top returning player in college football for the upcoming season. In a recent article published on February 19, 2025, analyst Max Chadwick highlighted Smith’s remarkable performance from his freshman year at Ohio State, where he emerged as a dominant force in the wide receiver position.

Smith, who entered the Buckeyes as the highest-rated recruit from the 2024 class and the highest-rated wide receiver in Ohio State history, lived up to expectations, leading the Power Four with 15 receiving touchdowns and posting 1,311 receiving yards.

“Smith is an athletic freak at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds with an incredibly refined skill set for someone who turned 19 years old in November,” Chadwick stated. “Not only is he the best returning receiver in college football, but he’s the best returning player in college football.”

Ohio State’s wide receiver roster, which includes talented players like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, continues to gain attention. With Egbuka headed to the NFL, Brandon Inniss is expected to step up after participating in all 16 games last season where he recorded 14 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown.

Chadwick pointed out that Inniss could be a breakout player in the 2025 season, further solidifying a strong receiver corps under head coach Ryan Day and position coach Brian Hartline.

In addition to focusing on wide receiver talent, discussions around officiating in college football have garnered attention. This past season was rife with complaints regarding controversial calls, including a targeting call against Ohio State’s Arvell Reese that was later overturned by the NCAA.

Ryan Day expressed his frustration over the officiating, which has become a common sentiment among college football coaches and fans alike. “Bad officiating calls have affected numerous games and teams this season,” Day said.

Mention of officiating issues leads into further scrutiny surrounding game calls that affected Ohio State, including an offensive pass interference call against Smith and missed penalties against opposing players.

On a more positive note, ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. have touted the San Francisco 49ers as the ideal destination for former Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who is recovering from an ACL injury. This opportunity may allow Simmons to learn from veteran Trent Williams, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career.

“If Trent Williams only has one more year left, who better to learn from than a future first-ballot Hall of Famer?” Yates queried, emphasizing the potential for Simmons’ growth under one of the league’s best left tackles.

As anticipation builds for the NHL Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium on February 27, 2025, preparations for the event are underway, prompting excitement from athletic director Ross Bjork. “We are really proud to host such a prestigious event and partner with the NHL and our very own Columbus Blue Jackets,” Bjork said.

This upcoming game marks the first-ever outdoor hockey match at Ohio Stadium, blending a rich sports culture with new experiences for fans and players alike.