Jeremiah Smith is officially one of the top five freshmen in college football this year.
The Ohio State wide receiver was named this week as one of five finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, which honors the best freshman in college football. He’s joined on the list of finalists by Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, Minnesota safety Koi Perich, South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart and Texas defensive end Colin Simmons.
Smith should be a strong candidate to win the award after a spectacular regular season in which he shattered Ohio State’s freshman receiving records by catching 57 passes for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, Smith has lived up to the hype and then some as a freshman, also earning the Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.
If Smith wins the award, Ohio State would have two Shaun Alexander Freshmen of the Year on its roster. Caleb Downs won the award last year for his play during his one season at Alabama.
The winner of the 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be announced Dec. 29.