Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith Emerges as Team Leader

Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day praises star receiver's growth as a leader ahead of 2026 season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a college football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.Ohio State's star receiver Jeremiah Smith emerges as a vocal leader, rallying his teammates ahead of the 2026 season.Columbus Today

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has praised star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for the strides he has made as a leader on the team. Smith, a highly-touted recruit who has excelled on the field since arriving in Columbus, is now taking on a more vocal leadership role with the Buckeyes as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

As one of the top receivers in college football, Smith's development as a leader will be crucial for Ohio State's success this year. The Buckeyes are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and reclaim their spot atop the Big Ten, and Smith's ability to rally his teammates will be a key factor.

The details

Smith, a junior, has impressed the coaching staff with his increased vocal presence and willingness to hold his teammates accountable. According to Day, Smith has taken on more of a leadership role in the locker room and on the practice field, setting the tone for the rest of the offense.

  • The 2026 college football season is set to kick off in September.

The players

Jeremiah Smith

A star wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes who has emerged as a leader on the team.

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

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What they’re saying

“Jeremiah has really taken a big step forward as a leader for us. He's setting the tone and holding guys accountable, which is exactly what we need from one of our top players.”

— Ryan Day, Head Coach, Ohio State Buckeyes

What’s next

The Buckeyes will hold their annual spring game on April 22, where fans will get their first look at the team's new leadership dynamic with Smith at the forefront.

The takeaway

Smith's growth as a vocal leader is a positive sign for Ohio State as they look to bounce back from a down year and reclaim their status as one of the top programs in college football. His ability to rally the team and set the tone will be crucial to the Buckeyes' success in 2026.