If you’ve watched even five minutes of Ohio State football lately, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question as everyone else: how on earth is that kid not in the NFL yet? He looks like a pro. He moves like a pro. He basically mosses defenders like a ten-year veteran. But because of the way the rules work, we're all stuck waiting.
The Jeremiah Smith draft year is officially 2027.
I know, I know. It feels like an eternity. By the time he’s actually walking across that stage in April 2027, he might already be the best receiver to ever wear the scarlet and gray. Honestly, he might be one of the best to ever play the college game, period.
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The 2027 Draft: The Year Everything Changes
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. The NFL has a strict "three years out of high school" rule. Since Jeremiah graduated from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in 2024, he’s tethered to Columbus until at least the end of the 2026 season.
He can’t leave early. There are no loopholes. He’s a Buckeye for the long haul, which is great for fans in Ohio but probably terrifying for defensive coordinators in the Big Ten.
2027 is the date. Circle it.
Why the Hype is Different This Time
Usually, when we talk about a "future first-round pick," there’s some projection involved. We say things like, "If he gets stronger" or "If he cleans up his routes." With Smith, there is no "if."
He stepped onto campus at 6-foot-3 and over 210 pounds looking like he’d been in an NFL strength program for three years. Then he went out and broke basically every freshman record at Ohio State. He didn't just break them; he shattered them. We're talking about surpassing legends like Cris Carter.
- 2024 Season: 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns.
- The "Vibe" Check: He makes one-handed grabs look like a warm-up drill.
By the time 2025 rolled around, he was already being called a "Unanimous All-American." It’s rare to see a guy dominate that thoroughly before he can even legally buy a beer.
Comparing Him to the Greats
When scouts look at the 2027 class, they aren't just comparing Smith to other college kids. They're comparing him to Julio Jones. They're comparing him to AJ Green. Some people—and this isn't even hyperbole anymore—are bringing up Randy Moss.
It’s the body control. You see him go up for a ball near the sideline, and you'd bet your house he’s going to get his feet down. He always does.
The Eligibility "Problem"
If he were eligible for the 2025 or 2026 drafts, where would he go?
Most NFL insiders, including guys like Todd McShay, have gone on record saying he’d be the first receiver off the board right now. Some even argued he could’ve been the #1 overall pick in 2025 if the rules allowed it. Think about that. A teenager being the top pick in a professional draft.
But because of that 2027 draft year, he has to stay in school.
This creates a weird dynamic. He’s effectively playing "pro" level ball on Saturdays while we wait for the calendar to catch up. The 2027 draft class is already looking historic because it’ll likely feature Smith and Arch Manning. That’s a lot of star power for one year.
What to Expect Before 2027
Since he isn't going anywhere for a while, what’s left for him to do?
- Win a Heisman? It’s incredibly hard for a receiver to do it, but he’s the kind of player who puts up the "video game" numbers necessary to stay in the conversation.
- Break the All-Time Records: If he stays healthy, he’s going to own every single receiving record in Ohio State history. Considering who has played there (Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson), that’s insane.
- Refine the Craft: It's scary to think he can get better, but he can. His route running is already elite, but another year under Brian Hartline’s tutelage is basically a Ph.D. in wide receiver play.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Dynasty Managers
If you’re a fan or someone who follows the draft closely, here is how you should approach the wait for 2027:
- Don't Settle for Comparison: Watch how he handles double and triple teams. In 2025, teams started selling out just to stop him, and he still produced. That's the mark of a true WR1.
- Dynasty Players: If you're in a "devy" league (developmental dynasty), Jeremiah Smith is the 1.01. Period. Don't overthink it.
- Enjoy the Show: We don't get players like this often. Usually, the "next big thing" has a flaw. Smith’s only real "flaw" is that he was born in 2005 and the NFL rules won't let him in yet.
The road to the 2027 NFL Draft is going to be a long one, but for Jeremiah Smith, it’s mostly just a victory lap. He’s already proven he belongs. Now, he’s just waiting for the clock to run out.