Columbus, Ohio — Jeremiah Smith was supposed to be the star of Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl matchup with Texas.
After all, he appeared to be the star to stop for the remainder of the College Football Playoff field after amassing 290 yards in two semifinal victories. Rather, he was double-teamed by the Longhorns and only managed one reception for three yards as Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 28–14 to go to the national championship game.
The 6-foot-3 freshman is a big reason the Buckeyes are here. It may have been hard for many younger players to stay engaged in a game where his impact was limited. But Smith, 19, knew Texas’ focus on his play would help the rest of the offense.
“It’s frustrating but it’s part of being a teammate,” Smith said. “You got to open things up.”
Smith, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2024 recruiting class, amassed 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season, breaking Cris Carter’s freshman school records for receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns as he was voted a second-team AP All-American.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said Ohio State’s win against Texas reflects the team’s game plan — having multiple players who can perform any night.
“The beauty of what we have here is we have more than one weapon,” Kelly said. “The quarterback has to make really good decisions on what they’re trying to take away and then adjust accordingly and I think Will (Howard) did a really good job of that.”
Coaches and players alike know Smith’s value on the field cannot be measured. Smith is also ensuring himself and his future by purchasing permanent total disability insurance, according to a report. Smith’s premiums, according to the report, cost between $7,500 and $8,000 per million of coverage, protecting himself against a career-ending injury until Aug. 1, 2027, or when he signs an NFL contract.
Smith, who is from Miami Gardens, Florida, said playing in a national championship game is something that has been on his mind since he was a child.
“I had no intention of it being my first year in college to be able to play for a national championship,” he said. “But this being my first year is a blessing for sure and I won’t take it for granted.”
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