18-year-old Jeremiah Smith's first-round pick comparison sparks open opinion from Emeka Egbuka

Kathleen William October 27, 2024

“This will hurt. It hurts'. Yes, Ohio State could spend some more time reflecting on its narrow 32-31 loss to Oregon, but the good thing is that Ryan will certainly try to turn the tide. However, not only the experienced head coach is aiming for a comeback in the decisive season, but the entire team is ready to go into the remaining battle with increased concentration and an optimistic attitude. Especially if Jeremiah Smith continues to be an absolute beast on offense, even when the team is collectively floundering. Teammate and defensive player gives his flower because he is a shining piece of hope.

A reeling defense was put to the test as it fell flat in front of the Duck's best offense in the country, allowing 496 total yards and 32 points. But veteran linebacker Cody Simon hopes their special attention to defense will become apparent over the next six weeks, if not immediately, but definitely. On the other hand, offensive gem WR Emeka Egbuka said the same thing, which doesn’t mean they need to worry about the impending loss instead of an away loss.

When asked about Jeremiah Smith's commendable nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, which may represent the best individual performance for the Florida native, Egbuka said in a recent interview with Bucknut's 247Sports: ““With Jeremiah, a reputation is never lost.” But the top-notch performances were hardly a surprise to the WR as he seemed eloquent, “Everything you see on Saturday he has already done in training.”

To be a great player you have to have great practice habits. That's something a lot of guys have to learn at a young age, but he picked it up naturally, so I'm excited to see how his SEC season goes. When given another chance to use Marvin's work ethic against Smith against the Buckeyes' star rookie receiver, he didn't put his foot down, he said“They have their own identity, they have their stuff, but Jeremiah definitely has an amazing work ethic.”

With Egbuka as a teammate certainly knowing his Smiths' outstanding qualities beyond mere sporting excellence, the impressive one-handed catches throughout the season were too much for any true fan to overlook. The member of the dynamic receiving corps became arguably the best wide receiver prospect Columbus ever survives, which pretty much justifies its recent plus-6 overall rating increase in EA Sports' College Football 25 list. An extra feather in his cap? An estimated comparison to the No. 6 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jeremiah Smith will be the next Julio Jones?

NThe 2025 FL draft is just around the corner and the excitement is rising. A number of talented Ohio State members are expected to earn a high overall draft pick in the mock. Smith, who has wowed fans and veterans alike since he entered Buckeyes camp last winter, deserves to generate a lot of hype as a first-round pick.

While his early season records undoubtedly made him a national sensation, Smith has been a staple since high school. He was a huge success as a freshman, but now he's being put on the same page as legendary Alabama receiver Julio Jones. “And I know it’s a big comparison, but he looks just like him. “He’s a muscular receiver who physically goes up and catches the football,” NFL star Tim Tebow said.

The captivating star also drew comparisons to Marvin Harrison Jr., another NFL giant who was the No. 4 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the details may be deceiving, the young WR has all the tools and attributes and therefore the claim may not sound far-fetched at first glance.

What do you think about Jeremiah Smith getting major recognition from Ohio State superstar Emeka Egbuka amid the NFL Draft hype? Let us know in the comments.