ESPN’s Greg McElroy cautions that Ryan Day’s quarterback selection could be disastrous since 5-star sensation Jeremiah Smith is poised to destroy Big Ten defenses.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are heading into the 2025 college football season with arguably the most anticipated freshman in recent memory—Jeremiah Smith. The 5-star wide receiver exploded onto the scene in 2024 with a freshman campaign that defied even the most optimistic projections. With a combination of elite speed, strength, route-running, and body control, Smith has become the centerpiece of Ryan Day’s offense. But with such an elite weapon on the field, the pressure is higher than ever for Ryan Day to make the right call at quarterback. That’s where ESPN analyst Greg McElroy enters the conversation—not with doom and gloom, but with a word of caution. McElroy has stressed the importance of choosing the right quarterback to fully capitalize on a generational talent like Smith. His point isn’t that disaster is inevitable if Day gets it wrong, but that a bad decision under center could squander the once-in-a-decade advantage Smith provides.

Ohio State’s quarterback room is overflowing with talent, but also riddled with uncertainty. Devin Brown, who has been with the program for several years, brings experience but hasn’t shown consistency in big moments. Julian Sayin, a former 5-star Alabama recruit who transferred to Ohio State, brings elite tools and composure but is still relatively untested at this level. Air Noland, another highly rated young QB, is waiting in the wings but is likely a year away from starting. McElroy has argued that whoever wins the job needs to be able to do more than just distribute the football. He must be someone who can control the pace of the game, lead emotionally, and most importantly, maximize Smith’s ability to take over games.

Smith’s freshman season was the stuff of legend. He torched some of the top defenses in the country with over 1,300 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. In doing so, he displayed a level of poise, physicality, and game-breaking ability that has many analysts comparing him to NFL stars like Julio Jones and Justin Jefferson. Former Florida quarterback and SEC Network commentator Tim Tebow even described Smith as “built different,” praising not just his physical attributes, but also his commitment to preparation and leadership. There’s no doubt that Smith is ready to lead the Big Ten in every major receiving category—and if paired with a competent, consistent quarterback, he could shatter records.

However, the presence of such a talent can be a double-edged sword. The expectation to win—and win big—intensifies when a team possesses a receiver of Smith’s caliber. If the quarterback play is average or inconsistent, defenses can focus more resources on taking Smith out of the game. Worse yet, a poor quarterback fit can lead to timing issues, missed opportunities, and even internal frustration. McElroy, who started for Alabama during its national championship run and now evaluates teams weekly on ESPN, understands how fragile team chemistry can be when expectations don’t align with production. His concern isn’t about Smith himself—it’s about making sure the quarterback choice doesn’t turn what could be a historic offense into a disjointed one.

There’s also the matter of timing. McElroy has suggested that Ryan Day should not rush into naming a starting quarterback, advocating instead for a more drawn-out decision process, even if it carries into the early part of the season. He believes that the longer the coaching staff takes, the more data they’ll have to ensure the best decision is made. That’s a tough sell in the high-stakes world of Big Ten football, especially when every snap counts. But Day has historically been cautious when selecting his quarterbacks, and this year, he may need to be even more deliberate.

Adding to the pressure is Ohio State’s recent trajectory. While still one of the most dominant programs in college football, the Buckeyes have failed to win a national championship since 2014 and have fallen to rivals Michigan and Oregon in critical moments. The fanbase is growing impatient, and Ryan Day is feeling the heat. Even though his record is stellar and his recruiting is top-tier, there’s a sense that another season without a playoff win—or a loss to Michigan—could push the program into a precarious position. With Jeremiah Smith on the roster, the margin for error becomes even slimmer. The world is watching, and they expect production that matches the hype.

What makes Smith so dangerous is his versatility. He can line up outside or in the slot, burn corners deep or beat them with precision routes underneath. His size allows him to dominate in jump-ball situations, and his quickness makes him lethal after the catch. He forces defenses to choose between bracketing him—opening up the rest of the field—or leaving corners one-on-one and risking devastation. If paired with a quarterback who can read coverages quickly, throw with anticipation, and manage pressure, Smith becomes nearly unguardable. That’s why the quarterback decision looms so large. It’s not just about choosing the player with the best arm or the most experience. It’s about selecting the one who can orchestrate an offense centered around Smith’s unique skillset.

McElroy has also pointed out that while Ohio State’s offensive line should be improved in 2025, the unit still has question marks. That means the quarterback must be able to make decisions quickly and operate under duress. A young, slow-processing quarterback could neutralize Smith’s effectiveness, especially if plays break down before he can get open. On the other hand, a poised QB who can extend plays with his legs and keep his eyes downfield might give Smith even more time to separate from defenders and make explosive plays.

Off the field, Smith has emerged as a team leader, even as an underclassman. He reportedly sets the tone in the weight room and is one of the most committed film-watchers on the team. That level of dedication is rare, especially for someone with his level of raw talent. It also makes the quarterback’s job easier, as Smith is known to run precise routes and understands defensive coverages well beyond his years. This maturity means that he’s not just a deep threat or highlight-reel machine—he’s a complete receiver who can help elevate his quarterback’s play by being exactly where he’s supposed to be at all times.

The danger of getting the quarterback decision wrong isn’t that Ohio State will be a bad team. With its talent on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes will likely win 10 or more games no matter who starts under center. But winning a national championship? Beating elite defenses in the College Football Playoff? That requires synergy, timing, and elite-level playmaking from the quarterback position—especially when a superstar like Jeremiah Smith is waiting to tilt the field every single snap. McElroy’s caution isn’t about panic; it’s about recognizing how rare this moment is for Ohio State. They’ve had elite receivers before, but Smith may be the most complete wideout the program has ever seen. Wasting that would be a failure not just of coaching, but of strategic vision.

As the season draws closer, all eyes will be on Columbus. Ryan Day’s decision will define Ohio State’s season. Pick the right quarterback, and the Buckeyes could ride Smith’s talent all the way to a national title. Choose wrong, and it won’t just be a lost opportunity—it could be a catastrophic waste of one of the most gifted receivers to ever put on the scarlet and gray. McElroy’s warning, then, is less about fear and more about respect. Respect for Smith’s game. Respect for the stakes. And respect for how thin the line is between glory and regret in college football’s biggest moments.