COLUMBUS, Ohio — In two years, the football world will gather in Washington D.C. as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium to announce the newest class of NFL rookies.
For one fanbase, the event will carry even more weight — they’ll be watching closely, hoping their team lands a future franchise cornerstone with the No. 1 overall pick.
And there’s a strong possibility they’ll hear a name that could shift the trajectory of the NFL Draft: a moment that could end Ohio State’s nearly three-decade drought without a top overall pick since Orlando Pace in 1997, and mark the first time a wide receiver has gone No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.
It’s a high bar — but for a player who constantly redefines expectations, that kind of praise might actually be justified.
NFL analysts seem to think so.
“He would’ve been the best player in this year’s draft, he’ll be the best in the next, and he’ll lead in his own draft class too,” ESPN’s Matt Miller told cleveland.com, referring to Ohio State standout Jeremiah Smith.
What makes Jeremiah Smith a rare NFL prospect?
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Smith matches the prototypical NFL receiver mold. Combine that with elite speed and athleticism, and it’s easy to understand why Miller believes the only thing standing between Smith and a top draft spot is staying healthy.
But there’s more to Smith than just size and skill.
“What really impresses me are his natural instincts,” Miller said. “The way he tracks the ball and adjusts his body mid-play — you rarely see that from a freshman.”
Though wide receivers often carry the “diva” label, Smith defies the stereotype.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day describes him as a grounded, reserved young man whose smile can light up a room — a personality that complements his physical gifts.
“When you have those traits and that kind of talent, that’s when you start talking about generational or blue-chip prospects — guys who look almost like sure things,” Miller added.
Ohio State’s wide receiver legacy
Ohio State continues to cement its reputation as a wide receiver powerhouse.
Carnell Tate could be the next link in that legacy, with many projecting him as a 2026 first-rounder. If that happens, it would mark five straight years with a Buckeye wideout selected in Round 1.
And Jeremiah Smith looks poised to make it six — perhaps even more memorably.
Despite the program producing elite receivers like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka, Smith is already carving his own path — and he’s on pace to shatter school records.
“This guy is different,” said Miller. “He’s on another level from even those guys.”
Arch Manning vs. Jeremiah Smith: Who’s the top 2027 NFL prospect?
The 2025 quarterback class didn’t generate much excitement, with only Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart going in the first round.
Experts are more optimistic about 2026, with top QB prospects like Drew Allar (Penn State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) projected to go early.
Arch Manning could also be in the mix — the Texas quarterback is widely expected to top draft boards, although his timeline might push him to the 2027 draft depending on his starting role.
Still, even with that star power, Miller believes Smith could beat them all to the top pick.
“If I had to rank everyone eligible right now — even considering those quarterbacks — Smith would still be my No. 1 overall player,” he said. “He’s just that good.”
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