With just a few days to go before the start of the 2025 season, ESPN has released a ranking of the sport’s top 100 players.
There’s likely to be little debate over ESPN’s choice for No. 1 on that list — Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. As a true freshman, Smith led Ohio State’s elite passing game and played a massive role in its run to the National Championship.
Here’s some analysis on why Smith is in the No. 1 spot from ESPN’s Jake Trotter:
Arguably the best player in college football, Smith broke the Big Ten freshman record with 1,315 receiving yards during Ohio State’s 2024 national championship campaign. He also totaled five touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ four playoff outings. With a season of experience behind him, Smith said he expects to play even faster this year. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the Big Ten.
Smith enters the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. At most sports betting apps, Smith is the top wide receiver in terms of Heisman odds. Entering the year, he’s only behind Cade Klubnik, Garrett Nussmeier and Arch Manning in the consensus odds.
Smith will have a new quarterback this year as former 5-star Julian Sayin will get the nod under center. Sayin won a tight battle in fall camp for the right to replace Will Howard. Having Smith as a teammate will certainly make his job easier as he makes the transition to starting quarterback.
Smith and the Buckeyes will open the 2025 season by hosting No. 1 Texas in Week 1.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
