Ohio State plays Notre Dame on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 21-10.
Using Smith’s physical characteristics and work ethic as evidence, Howard referred to the rookie receiver as a “freak show” at his first media appearance as a Buckeye.
Will Howard, the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is already pleased with his new team’s talent.
On Tuesday, the transfer signal-caller met with the Buckeyes media for the first time. During his speech, Howard talked about why he chose not to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and also gushed about receiver Jeremiah Smith.
“He’s a specimen, that man is a freak show when it comes to physical,” Howard stated. “I’m excited to see him out on the field.”
There is ample evidence to support Howard’s appraisal of Smith. Both nationally and in his native Florida, the rookie pass-catcher was rated as the top receiver in the Class of 2024.
Apart from that, Smith was the best prospect in the country, period.
After his last Kansas State season, Howard went through the transfer portal. Howard committed to the Buckeyes earlier this month.
On December 29, Ohio State lost to the Missouri Tigers in the 2023 Goodyear Cotton Bowl, 14-3. The inexperience of the Buckeye quarterbacks—freshman Lincoln Kienholz and sophomore Devin Brown had to split reps during the game—was a contributing factor in their loss.
With the arrival of Howard, who many predict will be the starting quarterback for the upcoming campaign, Ohio State appears to have resolved its quarterback problem.
Even in the absence of Smith, Howard will undoubtedly have one of the top receiving corps in the nation on the other end of his passes. But Howard & Smith’s offensive legal practice could be the greatest tandem in college football history.
