Ohio State University freshman receiver, Jeremiah SmithNFL Draft analysts definitely view him as one of the top prospects in college football due to his versatility and dominance. McShay recently said he believes Smith’s skills and physicality will surpass Hunter’s – he is considered the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class and is described as a generational talent.

Matt McShay thought Ohio State University freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith was superior to Travis Hunter

NFL Draft Analyst Matt McShay considered Ohio State University freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith superior in skill, physicality and football IQ than Hunter, who was considered the No. 1 recruit in 2022 and a generational talent. “Jeremiah Smith isn’t just living up to expectations – he’s exceeding what we thought was possible at his position,” McShay noted. “Hunter is phenomenal, but Smith has the rare combination of tools and football sense that makes you believe he could be an all-time great,” McShay continued.

Smith’s outstanding freshman season with the Buckeyes was highly praised by analysts and NFL scouts for his dominance in contested catches, impressive yards after the catch and his ability to break through defensive schemes. Travis Huntera two-way player at Jackson State and Colorado, is a unicorn in football. But Smith’s unique blend of speed, size and technical ability makes him stand out in the wide receiver role.
Smith dominated the Volunteers, catching five passes for 81 yards and scoring the first 37-yard touchdown, displaying such glory that The Athletic’s Dane Brugler praised him on social media. “If he were eligible, Jeremiah Smith would compete with Hunter to become the first non-QB drafted in the draft 2025 NFL Draft” draft analyst Brugler posted on Twitter.
Brugler also responded to a post from colleague David Ubben, who viewed Hunter as an important part of the Buckeyes’ star. “It was my first time seeing Jeremiah Smith in person. “Reminds me of Travis Hunter because some guys just move at a different speed/power than everyone else on the field,” Ubben said.
Smith, a 6-foot-1, 216-pound player, quickly dominated the Volunteers in the first half, collecting five balls for 81 yards and an early score. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid said he reminds him a little of a young Julio Jones. Julio Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times and was once a major college star at Alabama.
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He caught one pass in the second half but ultimately managed to pass the 100-yard mark in the game. He also caught a 22-yarder in the third quarter to tie the game at 18. In his first two years of college, Smith managed 57 catches, 934 yards and 10 touchdowns in his freshman season. Smith proved that the College Football Playoff was his highlight. As it happens, one draft expert believes Smith is talented enough to challenge Hunter for the No. 1 pick in next April’s draft.