In a thrilling matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans, a standout performance by freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught the attention of none other than NBA legend LeBron James. Smith's incredible display of athleticism and skill on the field left James, a dedicated Ohio State supporter, in awe.
During the Buckeyes' last possession of the first half, Smith made two remarkable one-handed catches that highlighted his exceptional talent. The first catch saw Smith leap between Spartans defenders Ed Woods and Malik Spencer to secure a 27-yard gain along the near sideline. The second, even more spectacular, resulted in a touchdown as Smith evaded Woods' jam at the line, sprinted past him, and caught a pass from quarterback Devin Brown in stride, extending the Buckeyes' lead to 24-7 at halftime.
LeBron James, who has often expressed his admiration for Ohio State athletics and had previously anticipated seeing Smith in Scarlet and Gray, couldn't contain his excitement. On social media, James posted, "JEREMIAH SMITH!!!! MAN KNOCK IT OFF!!!! MY GOODNESS O-H," reflecting his astonishment at Smith's incredible catches.
Smith's performance was not limited to these two catches; he finished the game with five receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown, as well as contributing a rushing touchdown earlier in the game. This outing is just the latest in a promising season for the true freshman, who has already tallied 19 receptions for 364 yards and five touchdowns, including the rushing score against Michigan State.
LeBron James's admiration for Smith is rooted in his long-standing support for Ohio State. Born in Akron, Ohio, James has often stated that if he had chosen to play college basketball, it would have been at Ohio State. His enthusiasm for Buckeye sports is well-documented, and he frequently tweets about their games and athletes.
The Buckeyes' 38-7 victory over Michigan State was a testament to their strong team performance, with the defense holding the Spartans to just 246 total yards of offense. However, head coach Ryan Day remains focused on improvement, emphasizing the need for defensive enhancements in future matchups.
For Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes, the praise from LeBron James is a significant endorsement, highlighting the promising future of this talented young receiver.