"He is a freak of nature": ESPN reporter blown away by Jeremiah Smith's insane show at Rose Bowl

ESPN college football reporter Stormy Buonantony was blown away by Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith after his insane Rose Bowl. Smith recorded 7 receptions for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns.

It was a stellar performance from the true freshman and Buonantony said the receiver is a freak of nature.

"He is a freak of nature," Buonantony said. "This was the first time I've seen Ohio State in person to see them physically. He is a specimen. For him to be a true freshman—nothing about him looks or says 18-year-old. He had 160 yards on five catches and two touchdowns in the first half. I felt for Oregon's defense."

Smith was a key reason why the Buckeyes cruised to a lopsided win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. The freshman is arguably the best receiver in college football and still has to play two more years in college.

Jeremiah Smith has 70 receptions for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns this season with the Buckeyes.

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Oregon coach praises Jeremiah Smith

ESPN reporter Stormy Buonantony isn't the only one who was blown away by Jeremiah Smith.

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning heaped praise on Smith after the Rose Bowl and said he's an NFL talent right now, despite not being draft-eligible until 2027.

"He's strong. He attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I've seen," Lanning said, via SI. "I mean the guy's NFL-ready. He's that talented. He's very special. And Will Howard did a good job getting the ball to him tonight and he's tough to defend. He's physical, he's got all the tools, so, really talented player."

If Jeremiah Smith was eligible to be drafted in 2025, the receiver would likely be the top receiver selected. Ohio State coach Ryan Day, meanwhile, also praised his star receiver who says has put in all the work to be an impact player as a freshman.

"Jeremiah is his own person," Day said, via 247Sports. "And I think the way that he's come in from the get-go, he had a look in his eye he wanted to make an impact as a freshman. I think his teammates would tell you the same thing. And he's earned the respect of the teammates, not because of his ability. You guys see his ability, but to me it's the work ethic every day. He comes in.

"He's serious. He doesn't say a whole lot. But when he does, people listen," Day added. "His maturity, physically, emotionally and mentally has allowed him to play like this. And remember, he's a freshman. So for him to be playing his best football late in the season speaks to his maturity."

The Buckeyes will play the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.