Ohio State Buckeyes Coach Ryan Day Raves About Early Performance of Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day said true-freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith "will certainly have a chance to start" this season.

Mar 7, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

Jeremiah Smith continues to make waves with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The freshman receiver has only been in Columbus for a handful of weeks, but has impressed Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and the rest of his staff. Day even said Smith could be among the starting roster come the season-opening game against the Akron Zips in late August.

"If he continues on the path that he's on, he's going to play a lot of football and will certainly have a chance to start," Day said.

Smith, a five-star recruit, will begin his college career this season. The Hollywood, Florida native has already received a stamp of approval from several of his veteran teammates including senior receiver Emeka Egbuka, senior quarterback Will Howard and senior defensive back Denzel Burke.

The arrival of Smith could not have come at a better time for the Buckeyes, whom lost two of their best options at receiver since the end of last season. Julian Fleming announced his intention to transfer to Penn State before December's Cotton Bowl, a game which star pass-catcher Marvin Harrison Jr. sat out in preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Day has been cautious not to tip his hand as to whom will make up his starting 11 on offense before the start of the season, deflecting questions about receivers, linemen and quarterbacks. What Day has made clear, however, is his expectation for Smith to become an important part of Ohio State's air attack for as long as he is with the team.

"I'm gonna be careful what I say, but he's been certainly a pleasure to watch," Day said. "And we are really excited about his future."