Ryan Day silenced his critics in 2024 with a storybook season that reshaped his legacy. A crushing loss to Michigan fueled calls for his firing, but he rebounded, leading Ohio State on a spectacular championship run, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. This earned him much-deserved respect, culminating in USA Today’s Paul Myerberg naming him the Big Ten’s top coach for 2025.

“While he has come under fire for the Buckeyes losing four in a row against Michigan, Day enters his seventh year as the full-time coach with an overall record of 70-10 and a 46-5 mark in Big Ten play,” wrote Myerberg. He even predicted that within 10 years, Ohio State’s Ryan Day could surpass all FBS coaches, including Notre Dame’s Knute Rockne. But Day’s success isn’t his alone and relies mainly on his extraordinary team, and among them is his star wideout Jeremiah Smith is drawing national attention, comparisons to a $120 million player, and also early draft picks. Crazy right?

Analysts see Smith not just as a top Buckeye, but a potential Heisman winner and future Hall of Famer. As per NFL Rookie Watch, many NFL scouts predict Smith as a potential number one overall pick in the 2027 draft, despite a stacked class. Multiple scouts see him as the face of that draft class, even alongside other top prospects like Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Ryan Williams. One executive even called Smith an extraordinary talent.

On top of that, he is already drawing comparisons with the Miami Dolphins‘ $120 million-priced weapon, Tyreek Hill. As NFL Rookie said, “He’s got Tyreek Hill speed, matched with Julio Jones’ physical and receiving abilities.” This guy is the highest-paid WR in the NFL and has earned seven career Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors four times in his NFL career. Getting compared to him is not just a compliment, but a future-turning statement. The best part is a while ago, Smith recently expressed his desire to play for the Miami Dolphins, fueling speculation about his draft preferences.

Not just NFL Rookie Watch but even On3’s Clark Brooks believes that Ryan Day’s exceptional playmaker Jeremiah Smith can be the No. 1 overall player in college football next season. “No need to overthink this one. Smith was spectacular as a freshman and has all the makings of a future star. He has the size (6’3, 215), the speed (former Florida state champion in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles), and skill (did you not watch any college football last year?) to be the next phenom at the position and rule the sport for the next two years,” Brooks said.

Smith’s impressive stats—76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per reception—speak for themselves. Under new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, regardless of who starts at quarterback, his numbers could be even better. His success extends beyond the field; Smith recently signed a lucrative NIL deal with the Mark Wahlberg Auto Group, further cementing his status as a top college football player. The Ohio State star announced the partnership on Instagram, adding another major brand to his impressive portfolio.

On3 Sports ranks him as the third most valuable college athlete nationally, estimating his worth at approximately $4 million based on his breakout season. Now, one side of Ryan Day’s wideout is making headlines, and on the other side, he is standing in the middle of a QB dilemma.

Ryan Day’s QB dilemma fumes on full power

Ohio State enters 2025 with a critical quarterback question. Despite a 10-2 regular season culminating in a fourth straight loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes rebounded to win the national championship. Now, the focus shifts to the offense. While five-star recruit Julian Sayin is the frontrunner, Coach Ryan Day insists the competition remains open. “The battle for the starting job will continue to unfold as the season approaches,” Coach Day said.

Columbus’ spring game only intensified the quarterback competition. Lincoln Kienholz started ahead, but Devin Brown refused to yield. Both quarterbacks impressed, maximizing every opportunity. Ryan Day offered his assessment:“I feel like Lincoln (Kienholz) was head of Julian heading into the spring game, and I thought Julian had a better spring game than Lincoln,” said Day. Adding, “So, it’s back and forth. This summer is going to be important. I think they’re all going to need each other.” With no clear frontrunner, fall camp is now critical.

Sayin, a top-five recruit, impressed during spring practice, showcasing poise and efficiency. He threw for 175 yards and a touchdown, not just managing the offense but electrifying it. Starting with the second team, he earned first-team reps, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His accuracy and decision-making highlighted his five-star potential. Even with limited early opportunities, Sayin seized the moment.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Kienholz solidified his claim to the starting job. The redshirt sophomore threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating smart decision-making and consistent rhythm. He started the game and looked poised, leading the offense. His familiarity with the system gave him an initial advantage this spring, but Sayin’s rapid progress has made the competition much closer.

With fall camp approaching, Ohio State’s quarterback battle remains wide open, as both competitors are intensely focused. Now, it will be interesting to see who Jeremiah Smith will partner up with after Will Howard‘s pro move this season.