As the 2026 college football season kicks into high gear on September 12, 2026, all eyes are on Ohio State's superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has already made a resounding statement in his quest to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. In the Buckeyes' season-opening victory over Ball State, Smith torched the defense for 151 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches, instantly inserting himself into the Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award conversations. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this performance wasn't just a flash—it was a continuation of a historic career that has NFL scouts buzzing from coast to coast.
A Record-Breaking Trajectory
Smith's 151-yard outburst marked the 12th time in his collegiate career that he's eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark, the third-most in Ohio State history. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound phenom now sits just seven touchdown receptions shy of breaking Chris Olave's program record and 189 receiving yards away from surpassing Michael Jenkins as the Buckeyes' all-time leader in career receiving yards. With his unique blend of size, speed, and ball skills, Smith has drawn comparisons to NFL elites like Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown, and his statistical trajectory suggests he's on a fast track to NFL stardom.
Week 2 Showdown in Austin
However, Smith's next challenge is a formidable one. On Saturday, the Buckeyes travel to DKR Texas Memorial Stadium to face the No. 3 Texas Longhorns, a defense that has historically given Smith fits. In two career meetings against Texas, Smith has managed just seven receptions for 46 yards—by far his lowest output against any opponent. As highlighted on Vulius, NFL scouts will be flocking to Austin to see if Smith can exorcise his Longhorn demons and prove he can dominate elite competition. A breakout performance against a top-tier defense could solidify his draft stock as the premier talent in the 2027 class.
NFL Mock Draft Projections
The draft hype surrounding Smith is already reaching a fever pitch. Recent mock drafts from major outlets project him as a top-five pick, with some analysts even slotting him at No. 1 overall. USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (as of Aug. 31) has Smith going No. 2 overall to the Miami Dolphins, while ESPN's Jordan Reid (as of Aug. 26) projects him at No. 4 to the Dolphins, and CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson (as of Sept. 7) pegs him at No. 2 to the Arizona Cardinals. Below is the analysis from Middlehurst-Schwartz on Smith landing in Miami:
"Might Miami be among the teams clawing to the front of the pack for a quarterback early in the draft? With the team's teardown leaving several serious deficiencies, the Dolphins shouldn't have much trouble getting into striking distance of a top signal-caller. Yet the team's current setup might not be conducive to plucking a prized passer and dropping him into a rather barren talent landscape. Nabbing hometown hero Smith, who has a strong case to be considered the best player in the class, would supercharge what's arguably the league's worst receiving corps and give dynamic dual-threat Malik Willis—or any potential replacement—a bona fide No. 1 target for years to come."
Smith's Career Stats at Ohio State
Smith's production has been nothing short of spectacular since he arrived in Columbus. Here's a look at his stats:
- 2024: 76 receptions for 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns; six carries for 47 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown
- 2025: 87 receptions for 1,243 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns; three carries for 21 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown
- 2026: Eight receptions for 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns (through Week 1)
With two more seasons of eligibility remaining, Smith has ample time to etch his name atop the Ohio State record books and cement his legacy as one of the greatest receivers in college football history. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor, every snap he takes is an audition for the next level—and the football world is watching.
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