Peter Pierre, a promising wide receiver from Jeremiah Smith’s former high school, is quickly gaining attention as a potential five-star in the 2028 class, and Ohio State has wasted no time in making a strong early impact in his recruitment.
Peter Pierre is a name already gaining traction across the national recruiting landscape, and he’s only just beginning his high school journey. Coming out of the same powerhouse program that produced former five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Pierre has positioned himself as one of the top young talents in the country. The class of 2028 wide receiver has yet to play a varsity down, but that hasn’t stopped elite college programs from taking early notice. Among them, Ohio State stands out, having made a significant early impression on Pierre and his inner circle.
Much like Smith before him, Pierre benefits from being in an environment that constantly produces Division I athletes. South Florida football is well known for developing explosive athletes, and Pierre fits the mold of what fans have come to expect from the region. Though he’s still in the early stages of his physical development, his frame, athleticism, and work ethic already scream future five-star. His route-running, footwork, and hands are far ahead of his age, and he’s been competing against older talent in offseason camps and 7-on-7 circuits with impressive results. These early tests have given Pierre confidence while also putting his name firmly on the national radar.
Ohio State’s interest in Pierre didn’t come as a surprise. The Buckeyes have established deep ties in South Florida and have long been known for their ability to scout and develop wide receivers. The Buckeyes’ recent run at the position — producing talents like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. — is as strong as any program in the country. That wide receiver tradition is something that resonates with prospects, especially young ones like Pierre who are already dreaming of playing on the biggest stage.
The connection to Jeremiah Smith only enhances the Buckeyes’ chances. Smith, the former No. 1 receiver in the 2024 class and now a freshman at Ohio State, is already mentoring the younger players back home. His endorsement carries weight, and for someone like Pierre, seeing a player from his own high school make it to the highest level at a school like Ohio State makes the dream feel attainable. Pierre has spoken openly about how much he looks up to Smith and how their shared roots drive him to follow in similar footsteps. In fact, Pierre has cited Smith’s discipline, mentality, and training habits as major inspirations.
Ohio State’s coaching staff hasn’t wasted any time in letting Pierre know he’s a priority. While NCAA rules limit formal recruiting contact for players so young, there are still plenty of ways for programs to build early relationships. Through unofficial visits, invites to campus events, and conversations with his coaches and mentors, Ohio State is laying the foundation. The early impressions are sticking. Pierre and his family have spoken highly of the Buckeyes’ approach — not just in terms of football but how the staff presents the overall development plan for student-athletes. Ohio State’s focus on academics, character development, and life after football has appealed to the people advising Pierre through this early phase of his journey.
Recruiting in the modern era is no longer about waiting until a player is a junior or senior to begin building a connection. With elite talents like Pierre, the groundwork starts early. College programs are watching middle school highlight reels, tracking performance in youth camps, and forming early evaluations. For Pierre, who’s already shown flashes of elite potential, the early buzz is only growing. There’s a quiet confidence in how he carries himself, the kind that usually belongs to seasoned prospects, not freshmen. But those who know him best say that confidence stems from preparation, not arrogance. Pierre has been surrounded by greatness for years, watching older teammates sign with blue-blood programs, and he’s used every opportunity to learn from their examples.
That’s what makes his case so compelling. It’s not just about raw talent, though he has plenty of it. It’s about how advanced he is mentally for his age. He studies film, asks the right questions, and seeks out coaching — even outside of his team environment. His training schedule would rival that of some college players. Whether it’s footwork drills in the early morning, strength training after school, or extra sessions on weekends, Pierre is constantly working to improve. That type of relentless commitment is rare, especially for someone still years away from his first official recruiting ranking.
Ohio State’s wide receivers coach and recruiting staff have made it clear that players like Pierre are their future. The Buckeyes are always thinking several classes ahead, identifying not just the best juniors and seniors but also targeting middle school and early high school players who can shape the future of the program. That vision aligns well with Pierre’s mindset. He doesn’t just want to be great locally. He wants to be remembered nationally. He talks about goals like winning a Biletnikoff Award, playing in the College Football Playoff, and eventually becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick. Those aren’t pipe dreams for him; they’re targets he’s actively working toward.
The Buckeyes offer something few programs can: a clear track record of turning high school stars into NFL-ready wide receivers. From the coaching to the facilities, to the national exposure and primetime games, Ohio State has built a machine that consistently produces elite-level results. And Pierre, even this early in his development, appears to be taking all of that into account. There’s a level of maturity in how he and his camp are approaching things. While many young players might get distracted by the attention or overwhelmed by the process, Pierre is staying focused on the things he can control: training, improving, and learning.
It helps that he’s surrounded by a strong support system. Coaches, family members, and mentors are all working together to make sure Pierre develops the right way — not just as a player but as a person. They’re encouraging him to stay grounded, to prioritize academics, and to enjoy the ride without getting lost in the hype. That balance is what many believe will help him reach his full potential. Talent alone isn’t enough at the highest level. It takes discipline, guidance, and the right choices at the right time. Pierre appears to have all three.
Of course, the recruiting race for a player like Pierre is far from over. With years to go before he signs with any school, there will be plenty of twists and turns. Other powerhouse programs are already circling, watching his growth, and preparing to make their own pitches. Programs in the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten are all expected to be involved before it’s all said and done. But there’s no denying the strong early momentum Ohio State has created. They were one of the first programs to recognize Pierre’s potential, and that matters. Early belief has power, especially for young players still establishing their identity.
And the Buckeyes have a blueprint. They’ve done this before with success, recruiting elite receivers early and building relationships that lead to commitments down the road. With Pierre, the seeds are planted. He knows the program, understands the tradition, and already sees a possible future wearing the scarlet and gray. For now, the focus remains on development. Pierre is still growing — physically, mentally, and as a player. But make no mistake: the ceiling is incredibly high.
If he continues on this path, Peter Pierre could very well be the next elite wide receiver prospect to come out of South Florida and onto the national stage. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if he follows the same path as Jeremiah Smith — from a local standout to a national name, and eventually, a key piece in Ohio State’s wide receiver dynasty. The story is just beginning, but the foundation is being built day by day, and Ohio State is right there at the center of it all.
