Smith's Unexpected Path
Jeremiah Smith Explains How Alabama Neglected His Recruitment, Leading to Ohio State Stardom
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Alabama offered Jeremiah Smith in February 2022, and he publicly said he was excited by the offer and that Alabama was his favorite school growing up.
2
After Smith committed to Ohio State, Alabama pivoted to Ryan Coleman-Williams as its top target in the 2024 class, who was ranked the No. 3 wide receiver and the No. 5 overall prospect in that cycle.
3
Ryan Coleman-Williams posted a productive freshman season at Alabama with 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honors before his role changed in subsequent seasons.
4
Nick Saban retired after the 2023 season, with retirement announced in early 2024, a development that influenced Alabama’s recruiting strategy and the timing of the 2024 class.
5
Jeremiah Smith is a two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year, highlighting his continued excellence beyond his breakout freshman year.
Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith confirmed at Big Ten Media Days that he turned down a reported $10 million offer to transfer away from Columbus Star-Telegram. The revelation came alongside another admission: Alabama was his dream school growing up, but the Crimson Tide never recruited him hard enough to change his mind.
Smith committed to Ohio State in December 2022 as the top-ranked receiver in the 2024 recruiting class. His choice to stay — then and now — has helped build one of college football's most dangerous offenses Buckeyes Wire.
Alabama Offered Smith But Never Closed the Deal
Alabama offered Smith in February 2022, and he said publicly that he was thrilled. Growing up, the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban was his favorite program. But the late push from Alabama never came. The timing was off, and Ohio State stepped in to fill that void.
After Smith picked Ohio State, Alabama moved on. The Tide targeted Ryan Coleman-Williams, the No. 3 wide receiver and No. 5 overall prospect in the 2024 class. Coleman-Williams delivered a strong freshman year — 48 catches, 865 yards, and 8 touchdowns — earning first-team All-SEC honors Black Sports Online.
Saban's Retirement Closed the Door on Smith's Dream
Nick Saban announced his retirement in early 2024 after the 2023 season. That decision reshaped Alabama's entire recruiting approach. For Smith, it meant his childhood dream school no longer even had the coach who made it his dream school in the first place.
The timing is a sharp twist. Smith grew up idolizing Saban's Alabama. But by the time Smith was a top recruit, the fit never came together. Alabama got Coleman-Williams. Ohio State got a generational talent Yahoo Sports.
Smith's Freshman Year Made Ohio State Look Like the Right Call
Smith wasted no time proving his value in Columbus. As a freshman, he led the Big Ten in receiving yards and touchdowns. He won Big Ten Receiver of the Year and was named a Unanimous All-American. He was also a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver.
Most importantly, he helped Ohio State win a national championship. Smith was not just a piece of that run — he was a cornerstone of it Buckeyes Wire.
$10 Million Offer Rejected as Smith Eyes More Titles
This offseason, Smith confirmed he turned down more than $10 million to transfer. He said winning matters more than money right now. "I wanted to win a championship," Smith said, adding that development and loyalty also drove his choice to stay Mod Bee.
Smith is now a two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year entering his third season. He is already considered one of college football's premier playmakers. His next goals are clear: more hardware in Columbus, then a shot at NFL stardom Star-Telegram.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
11
Articles
3
Reach
14
A
AnonymousAuthor
