Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith Declares Himself Nation's Best Player
Following a career-defining performance against Iowa, the Buckeyes receiver stated his Heisman Trophy aspirations.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has declared himself the best player in college football, asserting his Heisman Trophy ambitions after a dominant performance against Iowa on Saturday. Smith recorded 206 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State's 31-14 victory.
"You’ve just got to [let] the Heisman voters — or whoever it is — know that I’m the best player in the country," Smith told reporters. "I’ve got to be there."
During the game, Smith celebrated a 57-yard touchdown in the third quarter with a Heisman pose. He also set multiple Ohio State records, becoming the program's all-time leader in receptions with 207 and receiving touchdowns with 36.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledged Smith's talent, stating, "He’s got great size, great competitiveness, just great ability for a receiver." Ferentz added, "All you can do is do your best and try to be as smart as you can playing him, but he’s a great player. With a little bit of luck, we won’t see him again during my career, so that’d be OK."
Smith, a junior, is on pace for a career year and has drawn comparisons to notable past collegiate wideouts. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day highlighted Smith's playmaking ability and the team's efforts to create opportunities for him.
The Buckeyes, now 4-1 on the season, are set to host Maryland next Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET.