"He doesn't talk much, but when he does, people listen": Ohio state sensation Jeremiah Smith has Ryan Day's approval

Ohio State Buckeyes superstar freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith showed the world how good he was with his Rose Bowl performance. Smith was a key reason why the Buckeyes blew out the Oregon Ducks 41-21 on Wednesday.

Smith finished the game with seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Although many in the know, knew how good Smith was, his performance on the big stage really cemented him as a bona fide star in college football.

After the game, Ohio State coach Ryan Day heaped praise on Smith.

"I think we always want to draw comparisons because that's what we do naturally. I think whether it's players or coaches it's easy for everyone to say, well, he's this person and -- not quite put him in a box but sort of categorize them based on somebody who has come before," Day said.

"And Jeremiah is his own person. 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."

Day continued his praise of Jeremiah Smith:

"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.

"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."

Despite being a true freshman, Day said Smith has become a leader on the team. Smith has caught 70 passes for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Dan Lanning says Jeremiah Smith could play in the NFL right now

Jeremiah Smith is just 19 years old, as he turned 19 at the end of November.

Despite the receiver being a teenager and only a freshman, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning believes he would be an impact player in the NFL right now.

"He's strong. He attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I've seen," Lanning said. "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."

It's high praise for Jeremiah Smith who will likely be the first receiver selected in the 2027 NFL draft.