The disappointing standout from Ohio State gets a resounding vote of confidence.

At a program as prestigious as Ohio State, where success is expected every season, the pressure on players is immense, particularly when they have the talent to be standouts but fail to meet expectations. One such player who has faced his share of scrutiny in recent years is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a standout wide receiver for the Buckeyes. Despite possessing incredible talent and making a huge impact in his sophomore season, his performance in the subsequent year raised questions about his consistency and ability to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him.

However, in the face of doubt and disappointment, Smith-Njigba has received a resounding vote of confidence from various sources, ranging from his coaches to scouts and his teammates. This article explores the journey of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the challenges he has faced, the factors contributing to his perceived “disappointment,” and why he is still seen as one of the top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. Ultimately, this piece aims to demonstrate why he is poised to prove his critics wrong and fulfill his potential as a future star in the NFL.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: A Star on the Rise

Before diving into the challenges and perceived disappointments in his career, it’s important to look back at Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s path to becoming one of Ohio State’s top receivers. A native of Rockwall, Texas, Smith-Njigba was highly sought after as a recruit coming out of high school. Ranked as a top-tier wide receiver, he was part of a talented 2020 recruiting class for Ohio State that included future stars like C.J. Stroud and Travion Henderson. Smith-Njigba’s natural athleticism and ability to make plays in various offensive schemes immediately set him apart from others.

In his freshman year, he made an immediate impact, registering 10 catches for 49 yards and 1 touchdown in a COVID-impacted season that had limited games. However, his breakout performance came in his sophomore year, when he earned national recognition for his remarkable chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud.

In 2021, Smith-Njigba truly exploded onto the national scene, racking up 1,606 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He had an incredible performance in the Rose Bowl against Utah, where he set a Rose Bowl record with 347 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a thrilling victory. His ability to create separation, run smooth routes, and come through in clutch moments made him one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country heading into the 2022 season. Many had already begun to pencil his name in as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The 2022 Season: Expectations vs. Reality

Despite the hype surrounding Smith-Njigba heading into the 2022 season, his campaign was marred by injuries that prevented him from playing at the level that was expected of him. Following a historic 2021 season, much of the anticipation surrounding the wide receiver was tied to the promise of his potential to build on those numbers in 2022.

However, the 2022 season was a difficult one for Smith-Njigba. He was plagued by a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for much of the season, forcing him to miss games and severely limit his playing time. Smith-Njigba would ultimately appear in just three games during the 2022 season, recording a modest 5 receptions for 43 yards and no touchdowns.

His absence left a noticeable void in Ohio State’s high-powered offense. The Buckeyes still boasted talented wide receivers, like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, but it was clear that the offense missed the precision and explosiveness that Smith-Njigba had provided the previous year. His inability to stay healthy raised doubts about his durability, with some wondering whether he would be able to handle the physical rigors of the NFL.

Moreover, the combination of his injury issues and the emergence of other playmakers in Ohio State’s offense caused many to question whether Smith-Njigba could return to his previous form. Some analysts even began to temper their expectations, citing concerns about his explosiveness and ability to stay healthy throughout a full season.

The Criticism and the Doubts

With an entire season lost to injury and a lack of high-level production, Smith-Njigba faced criticism from multiple angles. Some observers argued that he was no longer the same player who had put up historic numbers in 2021. The injury concerns and the fact that he was unable to contribute in a meaningful way during the 2022 season led to doubts about his long-term potential.

One of the biggest criticisms was centered around his lack of playing time during his junior year. Critics argued that, while his early career showed great promise, he had failed to fully capitalize on the opportunity to build on his dominant sophomore campaign. In a year when Ohio State had high expectations, Smith-Njigba’s inability to perform in a full capacity raised serious questions about his reliability, leaving many to wonder whether his remarkable performances in 2021 were more of an anomaly than the norm.

Moreover, with the rise of other top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, including Jordan Addison (USC), Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), and Quentin Johnston (TCU), Smith-Njigba’s stock appeared to fall slightly. The uncertainty surrounding his health and his limited exposure to NFL scouts left some questioning where he might land on draft boards.

A Resounding Vote of Confidence

Despite the struggles of 2022, Smith-Njigba has received a significant vote of confidence from many within the Ohio State program, NFL scouts, and analysts who believe that he still has the potential to become a dynamic playmaker at the next level.

Ohio State Coaches’ Support

Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has repeatedly expressed confidence in Smith-Njigba’s abilities. Day, who is known for his offensive acumen, has publicly stated that Smith-Njigba remains one of the most gifted wide receivers he has ever coached. Day has pointed to the work ethic and determination that Smith-Njigba displayed in recovering from his injury and rehabbing to get back on the field, praising his mental toughness and maturity.

“He’s going to be just fine,” Day said in a recent interview. “Jaxon is as talented as anyone in the country. His injury was unfortunate, but we all know what he’s capable of when healthy. He’s ready to show the world that he can be a top wide receiver in this draft class.”

Day’s belief in Smith-Njigba is mirrored by other figures within the program who have witnessed his resilience and dedication to returning to full form. His work ethic, combined with the tremendous skill he displayed in 2021, has earned him significant respect within the Ohio State program.

NFL Scouts’ Confidence

NFL scouts, while initially skeptical about Smith-Njigba’s health and potential, have continued to view him as a first-round talent, provided he can return to full health. Many scouts are looking at his sophomore season as a true indicator of his potential, noting his ability to beat top defenses in the Big Ten and in bowl games, particularly his performance in the Rose Bowl.

NFL scouts have been impressed by his route-running, separation ability, and hands—all crucial skills for wide receivers at the next level. Many believe that when fully healthy, Smith-Njigba will be able to demonstrate the same explosiveness and precision that made him one of the most dynamic players in college football just a season prior.

While his limited 2022 campaign raised concerns, scouts are hopeful that Smith-Njigba’s combination of size, speed, and agility will translate into success in the NFL. With the right coaching and a healthy season, Smith-Njigba has the chance to prove that his injury woes were merely an aberration, not a defining characteristic of his career.

Teammates’ Faith in Him

Smith-Njigba’s teammates also have a resounding vote of confidence in him. Fellow wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, both of whom had breakout seasons in 2022, have spoken highly of Smith-Njigba’s leadership and ability to bounce back from adversity. They’ve praised his work ethic and the way he’s guided them in their development as players.

“It was tough for Jaxon last year, but we all know how special he is,” Harrison Jr. said in a recent interview. “When he’s on the field, he’s one of the best. We’ve seen him do it all before, and we know he’s going to come back stronger than ever.”

Smith-Njigba’s bond with his teammates has only strengthened during his recovery, and their belief in him has fueled his determination to return to top form. Their confidence in him speaks volumes about the kind of player and leader he is, and it suggests that he still has the tools necessary to be a major contributor on the field.

The Future Is Bright: What’s Next for Jaxon Smith-Njigba?

Looking ahead, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is ready to prove his doubters wrong. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, he will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities in the combine and pro days, proving that the disappointing 2022 season was simply a bump in the road rather than a long-term trend.

With his talent, work ethic, and determination, Smith-Njigba is primed to make a significant impact in the NFL. Whether he is selected in the top 10 or later in the first round, there is little doubt that Smith-Njigba’s future in the league is incredibly bright. If he can stay healthy and return to the level of play that made him a star in 2021, he could become one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, fulfilling his immense potential and proving that the best is still to come.

In conclusion, while Smith-Njigba may have faced setbacks, his talent has never been in question. With a strong support system at Ohio State, confidence from his teammates, and resounding backing from NFL scouts and coaches, the next chapter of Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s football journey promises to be one of redemption, growth, and success.