In a stunning turn of events that sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Ohio State Buckeyes star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has officially announced that he will be returning to Ohio State for the 2025-2026 season. The news, which broke early Thursday morning, was met with widespread excitement — especially from fans gathered in Missouri’s Place, a popular Buckeye fan hub, who erupted in celebration upon hearing the announcement.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Smith declared in a video posted to his social media accounts, flashing a confident smile in front of the Buckeyes logo. “I came here to win championships — and I’m not done yet.”
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation that the sophomore sensation, widely projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, might forgo his remaining college eligibility to go pro. Instead, Smith is betting on one more year in Columbus — a decision fueled by loyalty, unfinished business, and what he described as a “family bond” with the Buckeye program.
A Bold Decision Backed by Bold Promises
Sources close to the program say Smith’s decision wasn’t made lightly — and wasn’t made alone. Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day played a pivotal role in persuading the young star to return, reportedly promising to build the offense around Smith next season. According to insiders, Day assured Smith that he would be “the face of Ohio State football in 2025,” with a leadership role both on and off the field.
“Jeremiah is a once-in-a-generation talent,” Day said during a brief press conference following the announcement. “But more than that, he’s the kind of teammate and leader that defines what it means to be a Buckeye. We’re thrilled to have him back.”
Day went further, hinting that Smith will be given more creative freedom in the offense — possibly even lining up in hybrid roles — and will serve as a captain for the 2025 squad. “We’re going to put the ball in his hands as often as possible. He’s earned that,” Day added.
Fan Reactions: “Like We Won a Championship”
The response from Buckeye Nation was electric. In Missouri’s Place — a Columbus bar packed with Ohio State faithful — fans erupted in chants, high-fived strangers, and spilled drinks in sheer joy as Smith’s announcement played on the big screens.
“It felt like we just beat Michigan and won the Natty in one breath,” said lifelong fan Jamie Connors, who was wearing a No. 4 Smith jersey. “We all thought he was gone. This means everything.”
Social media followed suit, with hashtags like #NotGoingAnywhere and #OneMoreYear trending nationwide. NFL players, college stars, and alumni chimed in with praise for Smith’s commitment to Ohio State and the college game.
Smith’s Meteoric Rise
Smith, a 6’3”, 215-pound receiver out of Hollywood, Florida, took the college football world by storm during the 2024-2025 season. He racked up 1,412 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in nearly every major receiving category. Known for his combination of speed, physicality, and elite route running, Smith quickly became a household name — and a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
With comparisons to NFL stars like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, many analysts assumed Smith would declare for the draft after just two seasons. His return marks a major coup not only for Ohio State but for college football as a whole, keeping one of the sport’s brightest stars on the field for another year.
Eyes on the Prize: 2025 and Beyond
While Smith’s decision was largely met with celebration, he made it clear he’s coming back with one goal in mind: a national championship.
“We came close, but close isn’t good enough,” he said, referencing last season’s playoff loss. “Next year, it’s Natty or nothing.”
With a loaded returning roster, a top-five recruiting class, and a now even more dangerous offense built around Smith, Ohio State will undoubtedly enter the 2025 season as national title favorites. For Buckeye fans, the road to redemption just got a whole lot brighter.
As Smith ended his video message, he offered one final promise to Buckeye Nation:
“See y’all in the Shoe. Let’s make history.”
