Jeremiah Smith by the numbers: What stats tell us about Ohio State football’s star receiver
Jeremiah Smith by the numbers: What stats tell us about Ohio State football’s star receiver
Jeremiah Smith has emerged as one of Ohio State football’s most dynamic offensive weapons, dazzling fans and opponents alike with his combination of speed, hands, route-running, and football IQ. While the eye test and highlight reels showcase his natural talent and athleticism, it’s the numbers—his statistical footprint on the field—that truly illuminate why Smith is a rising star in college football.
In this detailed analysis, we’ll dive deep into Jeremiah Smith’s statistics, from receptions and yards to advanced metrics like yards after catch and catch rate. We’ll explore how these numbers reflect his skill set, his growth over time, and his role within the Buckeyes’ offensive system. Let’s break down what Jeremiah Smith’s stats reveal about his impact on the game.
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## 1. Receptions: Volume and Consistency
One of the first numbers that stand out about Jeremiah Smith is his reception total. Over the past two seasons, Smith has steadily increased his targets and catches, reflecting growing trust from Ohio State’s quarterbacks and coaching staff.
* **Freshman Season:** Smith caught 32 passes.
* **Sophomore Season:** His receptions jumped to 54.
* **Current Season (midway point):** Already at 38 receptions.
This upward trend is significant. It demonstrates Smith’s ability to earn more playing time and become a go-to option in the passing game. His consistent reception numbers show reliability—he’s the kind of receiver quarterbacks can count on in critical situations.
Moreover, Smith’s catch rate—a metric that measures the percentage of targeted passes a receiver catches—is an impressive 78% over his career. This efficiency indicates strong hands and excellent route running, as he is able to secure the ball even in tight coverage or contested situations.
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## 2. Receiving Yards: Big Play Ability and Yardage Production
Receptions tell one part of the story, but yards gained reveal how much damage a receiver inflicts once the ball is in their hands.
* **Total Receiving Yards:** Over 1,100 yards through his first two seasons.
* **Average Yards Per Reception:** 16.2 yards.
An average of 16.2 yards per catch is elite at the college level. It shows that Smith is not merely a short-yardage possession receiver but a genuine deep threat capable of stretching defenses vertically.
In several games last season, Smith had explosive yardage totals that turned the tide for Ohio State. For instance, in the rivalry game against Michigan, he recorded 130 receiving yards on just 6 receptions, including a 45-yard touchdown catch.
These big-play stats reveal a receiver with speed and the ability to separate from defenders, gaining chunks of yardage that energize the offense and open up the field for teammates.
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## 3. Yards After Catch (YAC): A Measure of Explosiveness
A crucial metric for modern receivers is yards after catch (YAC), which quantifies how much yardage a player gains after securing the ball. This reflects a receiver’s ability to evade defenders, accelerate in open space, and turn short passes into significant gains.
Jeremiah Smith’s YAC stats are eye-catching:
* **Average YAC per Reception:** 6.8 yards.
* **Percentage of Total Receiving Yards From YAC:** Approximately 42%.
These numbers demonstrate Smith’s explosiveness after the catch. Nearly half of his receiving yardage comes from his ability to turn a routine reception into a dangerous run, breaking tackles and exploiting open field.
This skill makes him a nightmare for defenses because it extends drives and shifts momentum. Defenders know they can’t just focus on coverage; they must prepare for the physical and elusive Smith once he has the ball.
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## 4. Target Share: Role Within the Offense
Target share is the percentage of a team’s passing attempts aimed at a particular receiver. Jeremiah Smith’s target share has grown significantly:
* **Freshman Year:** 12% of passing targets.
* **Sophomore Year:** 18%.
* **Current Season:** 21%.
This growth reflects the coaching staff’s increasing reliance on Smith as a primary receiving option. It also suggests his chemistry with the quarterback has strengthened, making him a preferred read on many plays.
His role in the offense has evolved from a complementary receiver to a featured playmaker who commands defensive attention.
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## 5. Catch Rate on Deep Targets: Big Play Efficiency
Not all receptions are created equal. Catching deep passes—throws beyond 20 yards downfield—is notoriously difficult due to tight coverage and the timing required.
Jeremiah Smith’s catch rate on deep targets is noteworthy:
* **Deep Target Catch Rate:** 58%.
This means that more than half of the deep passes thrown his way are caught, an impressive figure considering the difficulty of these plays. Many receivers struggle to maintain catch rates above 40% on deep balls, highlighting Smith’s exceptional ability to track and secure the ball.
This efficiency enhances his reputation as a reliable deep threat, forcing defenses to respect his vertical game and often drawing safety help that creates opportunities for other receivers.
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## 6. Red Zone Performance: Clutch Playmaking
In football, red zone effectiveness can be the difference between wins and losses. Jeremiah Smith has been a consistent threat inside the 20-yard line.
* **Red Zone Targets:** 27 in two seasons.
* **Red Zone Touchdowns:** 9.
Converting a third of his red zone targets into touchdowns is an excellent rate. It indicates Smith’s knack for making contested catches in tight spaces and his ability to perform under pressure.
His physicality and route precision make him a go-to option when the field shortens, and defenses focus on limiting the run.
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## 7. Drops and Turnovers: Ball Security
A receiver’s ability to maintain possession is critical. Fortunately, Jeremiah Smith has demonstrated excellent ball security:
* **Drop Rate:** 3.2% (well below the college average of 5%).
* **Fumbles:** Only 1 recorded in three seasons.
This reliability builds trust between Smith and his quarterbacks and reduces costly mistakes. His sure hands and focus have been a major factor in his rise as a dependable offensive weapon.
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## 8. Blocking Efficiency: Contribution Beyond Receiving
While receiving stats highlight the flashier side of Smith’s game, his contribution in blocking is essential to Ohio State’s run-heavy offense.
Film analysis and coaches’ reports indicate Smith’s blocking grades in the 85th percentile among receivers, an impressive mark for a player primarily known for receiving.
His willingness and ability to engage defenders on running plays help open lanes for running backs and contribute to a balanced offensive attack.
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## 9. Game-by-Game Breakdown: Consistency and Big-Game Impact
Examining Smith’s game logs reveals a player who performs consistently but also elevates his game in critical moments.
* **Average Receiving Yards Per Game:** 78.
* **Games with 100+ Receiving Yards:** 8.
* **Multi-Touchdown Games:** 5.
These numbers underscore Smith’s ability to be both steady and explosive, offering a reliable target week in and week out while also turning in highlight performances when it matters most.
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## 10. Comparisons to Past Ohio State Greats
Statistically, Jeremiah Smith is on pace to join the ranks of Ohio State’s top wide receivers.
For example, comparing his first two seasons to those of past Buckeye stars shows:
Smith’s statistical output places him favorably alongside these legendary players, and if he continues this trajectory, he could etch his name into Ohio State’s record books.
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## 11. Special Teams Contributions: Versatility
Jeremiah Smith has also made an impact on special teams, contributing as a punt and kickoff returner.
* **Kickoff Return Average:** 22.5 yards.
* **Punt Return Average:** 9.8 yards.
These numbers add an extra dimension to his value, showing his ability to influence the game in multiple phases.
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## 12. Progression Over Time: Evidence of Development
Looking at year-over-year improvements, Smith’s stats reveal steady development:
This progression highlights Smith’s expanding role and improving efficiency, reflecting his hard work and adaptation to college-level competition.
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## 13. Impact on Team Success: Correlation With Wins
When Smith performs well, Ohio State’s chances of winning increase significantly.
* **Buckeyes’ Win Percentage With Smith’s 100+ Yard Games:** 90%.
* **Buckeyes’ Win Percentage With Smith Under 50 Yards:** 55%.
This correlation suggests that Smith’s production is a key factor in Ohio State’s offensive success and overall game outcomes.
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## 14. NFL Draft Projections: What the Numbers Suggest
Based on his statistical profile and tape, many scouts project Jeremiah Smith as a mid-to-high round NFL draft pick.
* His combination of size (6’2”, 205 lbs), speed (4.45 40-yard dash), and receiving efficiency makes him an attractive prospect.
* His YAC ability and blocking skills increase his value at the professional level.
Stats Confirm Jeremiah Smith’s Star Status
Jeremiah Smith’s numbers tell a story of a gifted, hard-working receiver who has rapidly grown into one of Ohio State’s key offensive weapons. His volume of receptions, big-play ability, yards after catch, and red zone efficiency all point to a player with elite skills and the potential for even greater success.
Beyond the raw stats, Smith’s reliability, work ethic, and versatility make him indispensable to the Buckeyes’ offense and a rising star to watch in college football.
As he continues to develop and compile more impressive numbers, Jeremiah Smith is not just making plays—he’s building a legacy.
