Ohio State football fans have a lot to be excited about, especially with the arrival of standout freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Smith was the No. 1 player in the 2024 class and arrived in Columbus ready to make an impact. His work ethic was evident early on, as he became the first freshman ever to be named an Iron Buckeye, an honor awarded to the top 10 performers in offseason workouts.
Smith’s drive has carried over into preseason camp, where his performance has been turning heads. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles highlighted Smith's ability, noting that whenever Smith is matched up one-on-one with a defensive back, he takes notice. On Thursday, Smith nearly made a spectacular one-handed catch against cornerback Davison Igbinosun, but Igbinosun managed to break up the pass and talk some trash afterward. Smith, undeterred, responded by winning a jump ball along the sideline later in practice.
These competitive battles have become a hallmark of Ohio State's preseason camp, with intensity levels reaching their peak on the seventh day. Head coach Ryan Day has embraced this edge, encouraging his players to push the limits while maintaining discipline.
Ohio State’s offensive line, however, has faced some early challenges with an illness spreading among the players. Notably, Carson Hinzman missed the first day of camp due to sickness, and others, including Josh Simmons, were also sidelined on Thursday. Day is hopeful that the team can recover by the end of the week, as the illness has caused some inconsistency in practice participation.
The quarterback competition between Devin Brown and Will Howard is still ongoing, but Howard seems to be pulling ahead. Despite throwing a pick-six to Denzel Burke on Thursday, Howard has been sharp and confident overall. Day has been impressed with Howard’s control of the offense and his ability to make plays on third down. The upcoming scrimmage on Saturday could be a decisive moment in the competition, with Howard potentially solidifying his position as the starter if he continues to perform well.
Ohio State’s secondary has been a standout unit throughout camp, consistently challenging the receivers in practice. The 1-on-1 drills between receivers and defensive backs have been particularly competitive, with even the backup defensive players stepping up. The depth and talent in the secondary have been a highlight, with Day noting that the competition they provide will only benefit the team’s quarterbacks and receivers as they prepare for the season.
Day has also emphasized the importance of quarterback mobility this season, a shift from last year’s approach. Thursday’s practice provided a glimpse of this, with Howard scoring on a read option and Lincoln Kienholz also showing off his running ability in the red zone. The increased mobility is expected to be a key factor in the Buckeyes’ offensive success, especially in short-yardage situations.
In addition to the strong performances from the quarterbacks and secondary, tight end Jelani Thurman has been making a case for a significant role this season. Although he’s not at the top of the depth chart, Thurman’s size and potential have been evident throughout camp. On Thursday, he caught two red zone touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a red zone threat. Day is excited about Thurman’s potential but emphasized the need for consistency in his play.
As Ohio State continues to prepare for the upcoming season, the team’s depth and talent are on full display. From Smith’s emergence as a future star to the ongoing quarterback battle, the Buckeyes are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting year of football.
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