Jeremiah Smith Dominates Opponent Talk as Ohio State Prepares for Season
Texas Safety Calls Ohio State Star a “Freak of Nature”
As college football anticipation builds, Ohio State’s electrifying receiver Jeremiah Smith is already the subject of intense discussion among opponents, with one top defender labeling him a “freak of nature.”
Praise Pours In for Smith
Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe joined a chorus of coaches and players who have marveled at Smith‘s exceptional talent. Taaffe described Smith‘s on-field abilities as seemingly beyond human, highlighting his unique skillset and raw potential at just 19 years old.
Ohio State All-Time Mt. Rushmore pic.twitter.com/lnyafnK3Nj
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 5, 2025
“Man, what he does on that football field, it doesn’t seem like a real human’s doing that because he’s just so unique, he’s inspirational and (he has) all the talent,” Taaffe stated at SEC Media Days. “It’s gonna be really fun going against him because he’s a freak of nature.”
No Bulletin Board Material here. Texas safety Michael Taaffe with very high praise for Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. pic.twitter.com/9pF1PKy2iG
— BuckeyeHuddle.com (@BuckeyeHuddle) August 5, 2025
Taaffe also previously lauded Smith‘s NFL-ready potential before their Cotton Bowl matchup, noting his ability to out-jump defenders for contested catches.
“Everything that he offers is incredible. He’s a guy that looks like he’s NFL-ready already on tape. He’s going up and getting the ball over two, three defenders. I think they’ve got a lot of trust in him.”
—Michael Taaffe
Smith himself expressed motivation stemming from his prior limited performance against Texas, aiming to excel in the upcoming season opener.
Sayin Ranks High Amidst Star-Studded List
In a recent ranking of college football’s most crucial players for 2025 by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin secured the No. 6 spot. While many expected Smith and safety Caleb Downs to rank higher, they appeared at No. 24 and No. 25, respectively.
Sayin‘s placement acknowledges the immense pressure he faces leading a championship-contending team, but also the significant advantage of throwing to elite receivers like Smith and Carnell Tate.
“He has completed five career passes, all in fourth-quarter garbage time, and now he likely takes the reins for the defending national champ and a team that has ranked worse than seventh in offensive SP+ just once in eight years. There’s massive pressure that comes with that, and at some point Sayin will have to make some big third-down passes. But he’ll be throwing to the best receiver duo in the sport (Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate). That will help.”
—ESPN’s Bill Connelly
Smith‘s standout freshman season included ten games exceeding 80 receiving yards, with five surpassing the 100-yard mark. His impressive 187-yard, two-touchdown performance in the CFP quarterfinal was a highlight. In 2024, college football players collectively recorded over 300,000 receiving yards. According to Pro Football Focus, only 15 FBS wide receivers averaged more than 100 receiving yards per game. The Buckeyes aim to leverage this offensive firepower as they navigate a season with a new starting quarterback and coordinators.
Burke Earns High Praise from Browns DC
In a separate development, Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz offered strong endorsements for cornerback Denzel Burke, calling him potentially the best corner he’s coached in three decades.
“The way he goes about doing his thing is just impressive to see up close,” Schwartz told reporters. “I knew some guys that have coached him in the past, and they’d say things like, ‘You’re going to love Denzel,’ and I certainly do.”
“He’s probably the best corner I’ve had in 30 years in the NFL.”
—Jim Schwartz, Browns Defensive Coordinator
Schwartz specifically praised Burke‘s preparation and consistency, noting his efforts to improve physicality and run support. Teammates Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson echoed these sentiments, firmly placing Burke at the top of league rankings.
“His name is Denzel Ward and nobody else’s is. There’s no secret. He’s the best cornerback in the league, so we expect him to do that. Like I say, he doesn’t have a weakness. There’s really no secret sauce. It’s just his name is Denzel Ward and nobody else’s is.”
—Greg Newsome II
Burke himself expressed confidence in his abilities, aiming for Defensive Player of the Year recognition.
Archie Griffin Honored
The recent honors bestowed upon Ohio State legend Archie Griffin, including dotting the ‘i’ and being named the first Victory Bell Ringer, highlight the university’s commitment to celebrating its storied past and its only two-time Heisman Trophy winner.
The “Tradition Evolved” campaign will be further explored on the Eleven Dubcast.
Song of the Day: “Ohio” – Caamp
League Updates and Curious News
In other sports news, the NFL has banned smelling salts, citing concerns that the product can mask concussion symptoms. College sports are increasingly embracing partnerships with Las Vegas. The evolving landscape of the Pac-12 conference is taking shape, with new alignments emerging. Meanwhile, a Danish zoo has requested public donations of pets to feed its predators.
