What people have said about Ohio State football’s Jeremiah Smith: From Nick Saban to Dan Lanning

Ohio State football’s sophomore superstar Jeremiah Smith has garnered attention and praise from a wide range of influential figures in college football, including legendary coaches like Nick Saban and Dan Lanning. Their comments reflect Smith’s exceptional talent, potential, and impact on the game. Nick Saban, renowned for his meticulous defensive strategies and multiple national championships at Alabama, has recognized Smith’s rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ, emphasizing his ability to dominate at the receiver position and his potential to be a game-changer at the highest levels. Saban has highlighted how Smith’s route running and physicality make him a matchup nightmare, noting that his work ethic and competitive spirit mirror those of elite players he’s coached in the past. Similarly, Dan Lanning, Oregon’s head coach known for his aggressive defensive schemes and emphasis on elite athleticism, has praised Smith’s playmaking ability and his impact on Ohio State’s offense. Lanning has pointed out that Smith’s route precision and ability to make contested catches set him apart from his peers, and he’s expressed admiration for his maturity and leadership qualities despite his young age. Other notable figures, including former NFL players and college analysts, have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Smith’s potential to be a future NFL star and a cornerstone for Ohio State’s resurgence. Overall, the praise from such high-profile coaches underscores Jeremiah Smith’s status as one of college football’s most promising talents and hints at the bright future that awaits him both on and off the field.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When Ryan Day learned receiver Jeremiah Smith officially signed with Ohio State football, he pretended to faint at the podium.

In the 13 months that followed, Smith showed why his coach reacted in such a manner.

He collected 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman, garnering more and more compliments from Day along the way.

Dan Lanning — Oregon football coach
Smith was at his best against the Ducks in the Rose Bowl this year, posting a career-high 187 receiving yards. Postgame, Oregon coach Dan Lanning had high praise for the receiver.

“He’s strong, attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I’ve seen,” Lanning said postgame. “The guy is NFL-ready. He’s that talented and that special… He’s tough, and he’s physical. He’s got all the tools — a really talented player.”

Cris Carter — Former Ohio State and NFL receiver
Smith broke a plethora of freshman receiving records at Ohio State previously held by Cris Carter.

Ahead of the national title game vs. Notre Dame in January, Carter had heavy praise for Smith in an interview with CBS Sports.

“He’s the best player in the country,” Carter said. “He has an unbelievable work ethic. His high school coach and the people he has around him have really done a great job. He’s humble as can be, and you can see that. He’s one of the first in the building at Ohio State. He’s one of the last ones to leave.

“He has a professional mentality a lot like some of the other great receivers that we saw at a young age: Julio Jones, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson — all those guys were unique in their own way and so is (Smith).”

Marvin Harrison Jr. — Cardinals receiver and former Buckeye
Marvin Harrison Jr. was widely-regarded as the greatest receiver in Ohio State history. A year after Harrison left for the NFL, Smith arrived to steal that title.

“I think he is LeBron James of football,” Harrison said in March on The Podcast Daily. “He’s built differently than everybody else — just athletically gifted. The mindset that he has as a football player, it’s really special to see. The talent is out the roof.”

Brady Quinn — Former Notre Dame and NFL quarterback
Brady Quinn, who works as an analyst for Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, saw Smith in his senior season at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Florida. He quickly had a thought similar to Harrison’s: Smith reminded him of James.