Ohio State football has a plan to protect superstar Jeremiah Smith, who hates the spotlight but can’t escape it

e freshman wide receiver, who was the consensus No. 1 player in the 2024 recruiting class, doesn’t do much to seek attention. He rarely engages in social media debates, doesn’t give flashy interviews, and avoids brash declarations. But when you’re 6-foot-3, 215 pounds with Olympic-level athleticism, flawless hands, and elite route running — and you’re wearing scarlet and gray — the spotlight doesn’t ask permission. It just shows up.

Since arriving in Columbus, Smith has tried to immerse himself in football and fade into the program. But the reality of college football, especially at a powerhouse like Ohio State, means that every step he takes, every ball he catches, and every play he makes in practice is observed, analyzed, and elevated to the national conversation. He’s been compared to Marvin Harrison Jr., a Biletnikoff Award winner and top-5 NFL Draft pick. Fair or not, Smith now walks into a room with those expectations already attached.

And yet, Smith remains grounded. Those inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center say the freshman is all business — first to meetings, last to leave the weight room. He doesn’t carry himself like a player who was hailed as a generational talent out of Chaminade-Madonna in Florida. He acts like a walk-on trying to earn a roster spot. It’s that mentality that has quickly endeared him to teammates and coaches alike.

“He’s a worker,” said Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. “Some kids get to this level with all the stars and rankings and they expect things to be handed to them. Not Jeremiah. He puts his head down and works. He’s all football, all the time.”

Kelly, who was hired to bring a fresh, pro-style approach to the Buckeyes’ offense, knows what elite receivers look like. He coached the likes of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Josh Huff during his college stops and spent years evaluating NFL prospects. And in Smith, he sees a rare combination of polish and potential.

But Kelly also understands that with great talent comes great responsibility — not just for Smith, but for the program. That’s why Ohio State is being strategic in how it manages the young star. Smith may be a freshman, but he’s already drawing attention from national media outlets, NFL scouts, and endorsement companies. The Buckeyes’ staff is determined to shield him from the external noise and let his development happen within the program’s ecosystem.

Head coach Ryan Day has made it clear that while Smith is immensely talented, he won’t be fast-tracked just to satisfy hype. He’ll have to earn his reps like everyone else. That’s not a punishment — it’s protection.

“We’re going to take care of our guys,” Day said. “There’s no doubt Jeremiah has the ability to be special, but we also have a room full of really good players. He’s going to compete. That’s what we do here. But more importantly, we want to make sure he has a strong foundation, mentally and physically. You don’t just throw a kid into the fire because of recruiting rankings. That’s not fair to him.”

Indeed, Ohio State’s wide receiver room is once again loaded. Veteran Emeka Egbuka may be off to the NFL, but names like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, Kojo Antwi, and Bryson Rodgers remain. Smith is already drawing first-team reps in spring practices, but the staff is watching closely to avoid overloading the freshman with pressure.

His teammates are helping in that regard. Tate, a sophomore who made waves last season as a freshman contributor, has taken Smith under his wing. The two bonded during recruiting events and have leaned on each other during the transition to college football.

“We talk every day,” Tate said. “I just tell him, block out the noise. People are gonna talk whether you’re ballin’ or not. Just stay focused. He’s got everything you need to be great, but it’s about consistency. That’s what I’ve learned. And he gets it.”

That maturity is why many around the program believe Smith will thrive, despite the pressure. He doesn’t feed off attention — in fact, he shies away from it — but he understands the business. NIL deals are part of the game now, and Smith has been courted by companies since before he stepped on campus. So far, he’s declined to make splashy announcements or promote brands. His focus has been on football, and his inner circle is helping keep it that way.

“It’s about setting up the right structure,” one source close to Smith’s family said. “Jeremiah isn’t someone who wants to be on billboards. He just wants to play ball and take care of his people. We’ve had the conversations about handling the business side, but the priority right now is development. When the time is right, those things will come.”

That approach is music to the ears of Ohio State’s staff, who have watched other highly touted recruits struggle under the weight of early fame. The Buckeyes have learned from experience — both good and bad — about how to handle elite freshmen. Smith’s situation is being treated with deliberate care.

There’s also a recognition that despite his aversion to the spotlight, Smith’s play may leave no choice but to embrace it eventually. Reports out of early practices indicate he’s already making spectacular plays against veteran defensive backs. His release off the line is advanced, his body control is elite, and his understanding of coverages is rare for a player his age.

“You can tell he’s been coached the right way,” said Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s wide receivers coach. “He’s not just out there trying to win with athleticism. He’s thinking through the game. That’s what makes him dangerous.”

Hartline’s endorsement carries weight. As one of the most respected developers of wide receiver talent in the country, Hartline has overseen the rise of NFL stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Harrison Jr. He sees in Smith not just another elite prospect, but one who has the tools to become a complete player — and perhaps the next Buckeye legend.

Still, Ohio State is being patient. There’s no rush to declare Smith the next superstar, even if fans and media are already doing it. The staff’s priority is to cultivate a culture of accountability and competition, where Smith’s development is organic and sustainable. That means letting him earn his moments and celebrating steady progress instead of viral highlights.

It also means shielding him when necessary. The Buckeyes have limited his media exposure, allowing Smith to focus on football rather than off-field obligations. When the time comes, he’ll speak. But for now, the program is speaking for him — by giving him room to grow.

That protection might be the key to unlocking his greatness. In an era where young athletes can be consumed by hype before they ever play a down, Ohio State is betting on structure, discipline, and humility to shape Jeremiah Smith’s path.

He doesn’t need the limelight to be elite. He just needs a clean pocket, a good route, and a quarterback who trusts him. The rest will take care of itself — whether Smith wants the attention or not.