Just how in the world did the Miami Hurricanes let this kid get away? That's what plenty of people have had on their minds for a while now due to the absolutely incredible play of freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith throughout the 2024 season.
Smith was downright electric for Ohio State this year, highlighted by his brilliant play in the College Football Playoff. In the National Championship Game, Smith made headlines with the game on the line when he came down with one of the biggest catches of his life to seal the natty win for the Buckeyes.
As hyped up as everyone in Ohio is, the same feeling isn't shared back home, as Smith is a Florida product and Miami was among the finalists for him. Instead, Mario Cristobal and Co. let him slip away and now Smith is considered one of the top players in the country, but for a different team:
Still thinking about this throw to Jeremiah Smith. 3rd and 11? Are you freaking kidding me pic.twitter.com/TuQnNK5b30
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) January 21, 2025
Miami fans can't get over Jeremiah Smith not signing with the Canes
Smith is only 19 years old and he's already looking like a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft down the road. If he were eligibile to head to the NFL this spring, he'd no question be a Top 5 pick - potentially even the first guy off the board.
Out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Smith was ranked five stars, the No. 1 wideout in the country and the No. 1 overall player for the 2024 class. He took official visits to Ohio State, Miami, Florida State, Florida and Georgia. Obviously, there was stiff competition to land his signature.
However, the hope was that Cristobal and Miami would have been able to sell him on all the great things going on in Coral Gables. Instead, Smith made things official with OSU during the Early Signing Period last December - Cam Ward ended up signing in January.
Can you imagine if those two would have been able to make plays together? Now imagine Smith catching balls from Carson Beck in 2025. It would have been unreal to see for the Miami faithful, but instead, all we can do is wonder what could have been.