Jeremiah Smith, a top Ohio State recruit, inspired young players at his Columbus football camp this weekend.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For many young football players across Ohio, this weekend was more than just a camp — it was a chance to meet a rising Buckeye legend in the making.
Jeremiah Smith, the highly-touted Ohio State wide receiver, hosted a youth football camp in Columbus on Saturday, bringing energy, leadership and inspiration to the next generation.
“It’s a blessing… just to get by some of the kids here in Columbus,” Smith said. “Something that I dreamed of as a kid… just to give back — something that I’m really big on.”
Smith knows firsthand the power of influence. Growing up, he looked up to players like Antonio Brown, Teddy Bridgewater and Andre Johnson — athletes who returned to their communities to uplift others.
“I’m just trying to, you know, be a role model just like them,” he added.
The camp offered hands-on drills, positive mentorship and a glimpse into the grind it takes to play at an elite level.
“I always wanted to be at an NFL player camp or college player camp… just have a good time and be around guys that was in the NFL,” Smith recalled of his own childhood.
While giving back is important to him, Smith’s eyes are firmly locked on what’s next: fall camp and a highly anticipated college football season.
“I had a great summer. I just can’t wait till everything transfers over to camp and the season,” he said. “We put a lot of work [in]… workouts this year, I could say it was harder than last year.”
With a new team dynamic and high expectations, Smith knows what’s at stake.
“Everybody’s got new roles and stuff like that, but I just can’t wait ’til the season to start, and we definitely gonna put on a show.”
Fueling his motivation? Doubt.
“A lot of people been doubting us… I’ve been seeing [it] on Twitter and social media. So I can’t wait to prove a lot of people wrong this year.”
And while he’s still developing his voice as a team leader, Smith embraces the journey: “Yeah, I’ve grown a little bit… but it takes time… just taking it day by day.”
Off the field, Smith’s impact extends even into the digital world, as he reacts to seeing himself in the new college football video game EA Sports College Football 26.
“I’ve been playing it a lot… I just seen a lot of people sending me clips — me catching the ball over two or three people in the end zone,” he said with a grin. “It’s been pretty crazy… actually me being in the game and being one of the top overall guys — it’s been truly a blessing.”
AI was a contributing writer to this report.