Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith lost his black stripe on Thursday after just four spring practices, becoming the fastest player – either freshman or transfer – to lose their black stripe with the Buckeyes and become an “official member” of the team.
Smith arrived at Ohio State as an early enrollee this spring and as a former five-star recruit, as well as the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. He has lived up to his ranking thus far, with teammates and coaches fawning over what Smith has done in just a few months at Ohio State.
โI love the way (Smith) lives,” Ohio State co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Brian Hartline said Thursday.ย “I love the way he approaches things. I love the way he asks questions. I love the way he makes mistakes and corrects mistakes. It’s very veteran-like.โ
While a freshman’s first spring practice usually allows for time to acclimate to college football, Smith losing his black stripe this early is a strong indication he could factor in to be a starter as a true freshman for the Buckeyes at wide receiver. Ohio State is expected to start senior Emeka Egbuka and sophomore Carnell Tate – with Egbuka potentially starting inside – but junior Jayden Ballard, sophomore Brandon Inniss and Tate all figure to factor in for the third starting spot at wideout.
โI’m not going to say that he’s starting as a freshman, because that’s not for the far future,” Egbuka said ahead of spring practice. “But if he continues his hard work and his diligence and his craft and he’s able to learn the offense, the sky’s the limit for him.”
