On3 Impact Top rankings highlight standout prospects like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs**, both of whom are considered among the top recruits in their respective classes, shaping future college football talent.

In the world of college football recruiting, rankings play a crucial role in shaping the future of programs and the direction of the sport. The On3 Impact Top rankings, one of the most respected and comprehensive recruiting databases, provides in-depth analysis and evaluations of some of the nation’s top high school football prospects. Among the standout players in the latest On3 Impact Top rankings are Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, two recruits who are poised to leave a significant mark on college football in the coming years.

Smith and Downs represent the future of the sport, each with their own unique skills, attributes, and potential to thrive at the next level. This article will explore the impact these two athletes will have on college football, their respective recruiting journeys, and why they have earned their place at the top of the On3 Impact rankings.

Jeremiah Smith: A Generational Talent at Wide Receiver

Jeremiah Smith, a wide receiver from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, Florida, has been one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2024 class. As a five-star prospect and the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, Smith has been described as a generational talent who could transform any college football program lucky enough to secure his commitment.

Smith’s journey to the top of the On3 Impact rankings has been a culmination of years of hard work, skill development, and high-level play at the high school level. His combination of size, speed, route running, and hands makes him an ideal wide receiver for the modern game, where versatility and explosive playmaking are paramount.

Physical Attributes and Skill Set

At 6 feet 3 inches and 200 pounds, Smith possesses a rare blend of size and speed that is difficult for high school defenders to match. He has a wide catch radius, which allows him to make plays in tight spaces and battle through defenders for contested catches. His speed is another one of his standout qualities, with a reported 4.4-second 40-yard dash, allowing him to break away from defenders on deep routes and create big-play opportunities down the field.

Smith’s ability to run precise and crisp routes further elevates his game. His footwork, balance, and body control are exceptional, enabling him to gain separation from defenders at all levels of competition. Whether it’s a simple slant, a jump ball in the end zone, or a deep post route, Smith has the skills to be a threat in every area of the field.

Playmaking Ability

What truly sets Jeremiah Smith apart, however, is his ability to make plays when the ball is in his hands. He is an explosive playmaker with the ability to turn short passes into long touchdowns. His vision and elusiveness after the catch allow him to evade tacklers and pick up extra yards, making him a dual threat both in the air and after the catch.

At Chaminade-Madonna, Smith has consistently been the focal point of the offense, regularly putting up eye-popping numbers. His combination of athleticism and football IQ makes him a nightmare for defensive backs, as he is capable of dominating games with his physicality and playmaking ability. It’s no wonder that major programs such as Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida have all battled fiercely for his commitment.

Recruitment and Commitment

Given his elite talent, Smith’s recruitment has been nothing short of a spectacle. He has been heavily pursued by some of the best programs in college football, but in the end, he chose to commit to Ohio State, a program known for its explosive offense and track record of developing elite wide receivers.

Smith’s decision to join Ohio State was a huge win for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. Ohio State has long been regarded as one of the top schools for developing wide receivers, with recent NFL stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all passing through Columbus. Smith’s commitment ensures that Ohio State will continue its tradition of producing elite wide receiver talent for years to come.

For Smith, Ohio State offers the opportunity to play in one of the most high-powered offenses in college football, under the guidance of Brian Hartline, one of the best wide receivers coaches in the country. This pairing is a perfect fit for Smith, who has the potential to thrive in a pass-heavy offense that will allow him to showcase his talents on the national stage.

Caleb Downs: A Star Safety with Elite Coverage Skills

While Jeremiah Smith may be a generational talent on offense, Caleb Downs is a future star in the defensive backfield. The five-star safety from Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia, has garnered widespread recognition for his ability to dominate on the defensive side of the ball. Ranked as the No. 1 safety in the 2024 class, Downs has earned his spot at the top of the On3 Impact rankings thanks to his elite coverage skills, football IQ, and leadership on the field.

Physical Attributes and Playmaking Ability

At 6 feet and 200 pounds, Downs is a physical presence in the secondary. His size, combined with his athleticism, allows him to be versatile in coverage and come up in run support when needed. Downs has a reported 4.5-second 40-yard dash, which enables him to cover a lot of ground quickly, making him a threat to intercept passes and break up plays in the air. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes sets him apart from many other safeties in his class. Downs is often seen anticipating plays before they happen, which is a testament to his high football IQ.

One of Downs’ most impressive attributes is his ability to be an all-around safety. He is equally adept at covering deep routes as he is at coming up to the line of scrimmage to help in run support. Downs excels in single-high coverage, often making plays on the ball and putting his team in a position to make a game-changing turnover.

Additionally, Downs is known for his tackling ability. He is a physical and aggressive tackler who isn’t afraid to step up in the box and bring down ball carriers. This combination of coverage ability, intelligence, and physicality makes Downs a top-tier safety prospect who is capable of contributing immediately at the next level.

Recruitment and Commitment

Downs’ recruitment was hotly contested, with numerous top-tier programs vying for his services. Ultimately, Downs committed to Alabama, a program known for producing some of the best defensive players in the country year after year. His decision to join the Crimson Tide was a significant one, as it continued the trend of top defensive recruits flocking to Nick Saban’s program.

Alabama’s defensive pedigree, coupled with Saban’s history of developing NFL-caliber players, made it an ideal fit for Downs, who has the potential to be an immediate impact player. Under Saban’s tutelage, Downs is expected to develop into one of the top safeties in college football and a future NFL draft pick.

What Their Commitments Mean for Ohio State and Alabama

The commitments of Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs to Ohio State and Alabama, respectively, solidify both programs’ positions as national recruiting powerhouses. For Ohio State, the addition of Smith bolsters an already elite offense that has been among the most explosive in college football. Smith’s commitment ensures that the Buckeyes will remain a top contender for the College Football Playoff for years to come, with a potent passing attack featuring some of the best wide receivers in the country.

For Alabama, the commitment of Downs continues their tradition of developing elite defensive players under Nick Saban. With Downs joining a secondary that already includes other top-tier players, Alabama’s defense is poised to remain one of the most formidable in the nation. Downs’ ability to contribute in both coverage and run support will make him an integral part of Alabama’s defense, helping them continue their dominance in the SEC.

Both Smith and Downs have the potential to reshape the landscape of college football. Smith’s playmaking ability on offense and Downs’ disruptive presence on defense will undoubtedly make both Ohio State and Alabama even more dangerous in the coming years. As both players develop, they will have a lasting impact on the success of their respective programs and could be pivotal in determining the trajectory of college football’s power dynamics.

 The Future of College Football

Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs are two of the most exciting young talents in college football, and their respective commitments to Ohio State and Alabama only serve to further elevate the profiles of these already dominant programs. As the 2026 recruiting class begins to take shape, it is clear that these two athletes will be at the forefront of college football for the next several years.

With Smith and Downs leading the charge, both Ohio State and Alabama are in prime position to continue their dominance on the national stage. As the game evolves, players like Smith and Downs will shape the future of college football, and fans will eagerly await their development as they become the next generation of superstars. These athletes are not only changing the trajectory of their own careers but also the future of the programs they represent. The On3 Impact Top rankings have proven to be a crucial part of tracking these emerging talents, and the next few years will likely see Smith and Downs as two of the most talked-about players in the sport.