You see the highlights. You see the one-handed snags that look like they belong in a video game. But if you’re actually looking for him on the field, you're looking for number 4.
Honestly, it’s a bit weird seeing a wide receiver at Ohio State rock a single digit that isn't 2 or 1, but Jeremiah Smith has made that number 4 look like the most dangerous jersey in college football. He’s not just some freshman who happened to get lucky. He is arguably the most polished player to ever step onto the turf in Columbus at that age.
Why is Jeremiah Smith number 4 anyway?
Usually, jersey numbers in college football are a whole thing. Players have rituals, or they want to honor a legend. For Smith, number 4 has been his identity for a long time. He wore it back at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida. When he showed up at Ohio State, he didn't change a thing. He kept the number, kept the work ethic, and basically kept the same dominance.
It's kinda funny because number 4 at Ohio State has historically been associated with guys like Santonio Holmes or even more recently, Jordan Fuller on the defensive side. But Smith has rebranded it. Now, when Big Ten secondaries see that number 4 lining up on the boundary, they know they’re in for a long afternoon.
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The stats behind the jersey
Let’s be real for a second. Most freshmen are lucky to see the field on special teams. Jeremiah Smith? He spent 2024 breaking records that had stood for decades. We are talking about a guy who hauled in 76 receptions for 1,315 yards in his first year. That isn't just "good for a freshman." That is elite for any human being playing the position.
He didn't just stop at yardage. The man found the end zone 15 times through the air in 2024. He even added a rushing touchdown just to show off. By the time he was done with his freshman campaign, he was a Unanimous All-American.
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: Around 215–225 lbs (depending on which roster sheet you trust)
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Hometown: Miami Gardens, FL
His performance in the 2025 Rose Bowl was probably the moment everyone realized this wasn't a fluke. 187 yards. Two touchdowns. He walked away as the Offensive MVP. You don’t do that by accident.
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What makes him different?
Most people think it's just the size. Sure, being 6'3" helps. But if you watch the tape—and I mean really watch it—it’s the way he moves. He has this weird ability to change direction without losing speed. Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes' wide receiver coach and basically a genius at the position, has talked about how Smith’s "pro-level" habits are what set him apart.
He’s already signing major NIL deals, like becoming the first college football player with Red Bull. He’s also linked up with Adidas. But despite the money and the fame, he’s still just the guy in the number 4 jersey doing the same stuff he did in Hollywood, Florida.
One thing that really stands out is his catch radius. There was a play against Michigan State—you probably saw it—where he basically snatched the ball out of the air while a defender was draped all over him. It didn't even look hard for him. That's the terrifying part for the rest of the country.
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Looking ahead for number 4
As we move into 2026, the expectations are through the roof. He’s already being talked about as a top-five NFL draft pick whenever he’s eligible. For now, he’s the focal point of the Ohio State offense.
If you're heading to the Shoe or just watching on a Saturday afternoon, just look for the number 4. Whether he's running a simple slant or a deep post, something special is probably about to happen.
If you want to keep up with his progress, the best move is to watch the Buckeyes' official roster updates or follow the Big Ten's weekly awards. Smith is a regular there. You can also track his live stats through sites like CFBStats or the official Ohio State athletics page to see if he’s on pace to break his own records.
Next Steps
- Check the official Ohio State roster before each game to ensure there haven't been any jersey changes for special events or "throwback" games.
- Watch the 2024 highlight reels to see how he uses his frame to protect that number 4 jersey from defenders.
- Follow Big Ten news feeds to stay updated on his pursuit of the Heisman Trophy, which is a very real possibility for him.