Jeremiah Smith to Ohio State: Fans, media react to 5-star WR's signing-day choice
Jeremiah Smith officially announced his plans to sign with Ohio State on Wednesday morning.
Smith has been committed to the Buckeyes for over a year. He originally committed to Ohio State back on Dec. 14, 2022. However, programs such as Florida State, Miami and Florida continued to recruit Smith over the last year and made a late push just before signing day.
But in the end, Ohio State was able to hold onto the 5-star wide receiver. Smith is the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2024, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Here’s video of the announcement:
Between the black bag in his hand when he walked up and the pause there was some concern, but No. 1 recruit Jeremiah Smith makes it official and signs with Ohio State pic.twitter.com/OxiDx9uZcM
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) December 20, 2023
The decision is a big win for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is trying to finish off another top-5 signing class as it attempts to take back control of the Big Ten in 2024 and beyond. Smith could be a big contributor as early as next season, especially with the Buckeyes expected to lose Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL Draft.
On the flip side, it’s a disappointing day for Florida State, Miami and Florida — three in-state programs who had a major proximity advantage over the Buckeyes. Smith attends Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Fla.
After the announcement, Smith told reporters that he was still considering Miami up until a couple minutes before he had to make his decision.
Here’s some of the best reaction to Smith’s signing-day decision:
Jeremiah Smith kept Ohio State on skates for six months with visits, cryptic tweets, interviews, etc. But it never really felt like Smith's heart was anywhere else but in Columbus.
Credit to Brian Hartline to remain locked in, staying confident and closing the deal on the No. 1…
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) December 20, 2023
Ohio State Retains the #1 prospect in the Class of 2024 signing 5 star WR Jeremiah Smith over Miami and Florida State. Brian Hartline strikes again with another 5star from South Florida pic.twitter.com/F7FW1hS6Vf
— ??? ????? ? (@2_Tees) December 20, 2023
Jeremiah Smith will be signing with Ohio State. Miami and Florida State were trying to make a late push, this should lock up the Buckeyes as the top class in the Big Ten. Not surprising a generational WR would go to WRU.
— Big Ten Ted (@BigTenTed) December 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/kaiw0102/status/1737525705280561506
Jeremiah Smith went into his commitment with a Miami Hurricane EQ bag just to have an Ohio State hat in it. What a dawg.
— TND (@TNDTweets) December 20, 2023
Five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is the No. 1 overall player in the 247Sports Composite, sticks with his commitment to Ohio State after late pushes from Miami and Florida State. Huge recruiting win for Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) December 20, 2023
Jeremiah Smith said he had two hats in his bag: Miami and Ohio State. He ultimately decided in the final two minutes. He wanted to go to a place with a strong track record of first round picks. That was the difference. pic.twitter.com/OY2cy64sDq
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) December 20, 2023
FSU fans thought they was getting Jeremiah smith ????
— bryso (@brysoooooo) December 20, 2023
Jeremiah Smith is officially a Buckeye. Back to the basement FSU and Miami fans
— Drake (@HoffnerDrake) December 20, 2023
Jeremiah Smith says he seriously considered Miami in the final MINUTES
— Steve Gorten (@sgorten) December 20, 2023
Five-star WR Jeremiah Smith signs with Ohio State, maintaining his long-time commitment. Florida was once pressing for him with Miami getting buzz late and FSU in it for a while. No surprise here.
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) December 20, 2023
Jeremiah Smith announces he will stick with Ohio State. #Gators, Miami and FSU all continued to push Smith for a flip until the final hour.
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) December 20, 2023