As part of our weekly prep for Big Ten on CBS, I chat with one of the stars of the games ahead of time. This week's interview subject was one of the biggest stars in all of college football -- Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has a touchdown in all four games so far, putting him halfway to Cris Carter's program record for a freshman (Carter had eight in 1984).
Smith, the No. 1-ranked recruit in the Class of 2024 per 247Sports, is part of a freshman class of wideouts that some experts say may be the best ever. A fellow five-star from the class, Alabama's Ryan Williams, had a national breakout last week against Georgia.
No. 3 Ohio State hosts Iowa on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS, giving Smith another opportunity to show out with millions of eyeballs on him. Here's what Smith says about delivering on the hype, his fellow freshmen, receiving a shoutout from LeBron James and his future goals.
CBS: What were you hoping to show teammates during spring ball and fall camp?
Smith: "That I'm all about work, not just about hype. You see al the hype I came in with, No. 1 player in the country, but really that I'm a guy who loves football."
CBS: You were the No. 1 player in the country and you're doing your thing. There's also another freshman wide receiver over at Alabama, Ryan Williams, who's been incredible. What do you think you two are saying about the freshman class coming in?
Smith: "The 2024 class at the receiver position is probably going to be the best class ever. Not just us two – you've got Cam Coleman at Auburn, TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco at Clemson, Micah Hudson (at Texas Tech) and a lot of other guys who are just killing it. So obviously this class is pretty special. "
CBS: Are you keeping an eye on everyone?
Smith: "I love to see everybody succeed at what they're doing."
CBS: You're sending a message through four games. You're leading the Buckeyes with four touchdowns. There was one drive last week against Michigan State where you made two one-handed catches. If you had to give yourself a video game rating after that game, what would you say?
Smith: "At least a 92. At least in the 90s."
CBS: You're turning heads all over the nation … including LeBron James, who shouted you out on social media after those catches. What's your reaction to those tweets?
Smith: It was crazy for sure. That was crazy for sure. He's a role model not just for basketball players. That's a blessing for sure. That's a role model for not only basketball but a lot of people in every sport.
CBS: What can a shoutout from LeBron do for your self-belief?
Smith: "It just gave me more confidence. LeBron mentioning me is a blessing for sure. A lot of people sent me saying, 'I wish LeBron was tweeting about me.'"
CBS: Where have you seen Will Howard's growth?
Smith: Taking the control of the whole offense, being the leader we need. He's the oldest on the offense, so I always go to Will if I need any help with plays or anything.
Your story is just beginning here in Columbus. Is there a limit to your ceiling?
Smith: I feel like I don't have a limit. I feel like I can come here and accomplish anything I want. That's the reason I came here.
CBS: The team goal for Ohio State is to win a national championship. What is a personal goal that you have ... is there a certain number you want to hit, a player you want to pass."
Smith: (After a long pause:) "I'd say break Cris Carter's freshman record. I've seen a lot of people talk about that so that's one that's been in the back of my mind, for sure."