The 2024 Ohio State football team will be predominantly led by upperclassmen, many of whom opted to return for the season with the goal of contending for a national championship and defeating Michigan. Several of these players are also expected to be high draft picks.
However, the team’s composition of upperclassmen doesn’t mean that younger players won’t have a significant impact. There are numerous young players, both starters and backups, who will play crucial roles this season, with many competing for playing time.
Among these underclassmen, three stand out as particularly impactful for the upcoming season, especially on the offensive side of the ball. One of them, Jeremiah Smith, has garnered considerable attention during the offseason.
Smith, a freshman and the top recruit in the 2024 class, has impressed in multiple spring practices. He is poised to become the team’s third or fourth receiver, receiving significant playing time, especially early in the season against a relatively easy non-conference schedule.
With new quarterback Will Howard at the helm, Smith’s abilities as a deep threat with a large catch radius should be utilized effectively. His athleticism and potential for big plays make him a likely impact player from the outset, with his performance expected to improve as he gains experience throughout the season.
