The two most exciting positions to watch on the Buckeyes

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It’s becoming clear that Jeremiah Smith may not just be getting better, but he has the chance to be the greatest college football wide receiver since… ever?

Think about the greatest receivers in college football over the last 50 years: Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, the list goes on. There are also numerous great receivers to come through Ohio State. 

But considering the hype he came in with, especially in the era of the transfer portal and the NIL, Jeremiah Smith’s ability to not only live up to the hype but exceed it may just make him the best wide receiver in college football ever.

Obviously, Smith makes the Buckeyes’ receiving corps an exciting position to watch throughout Spring and this upcoming season. But there are other aspects to the Buckeyes’ receiving corps that make it exciting to watch.

I’m excited to see who emerges as the WR2 behind Smith. Is it Brandon Inniss, who one could reasonably argue will emerge as the WR2? Or is it Chris Henry Jr.? Could it be another freshman or transfer that is new to the Buckeyes’ program?

What does Ohio State’s receiving core look like post-Carnell Tate? Having both Smith and Tate coming into last season was so beneficial, particularly for Smith.

For the last several years, the Buckeyes have always had at least two great wide receivers on the field. This year, they won’t have that luxury going in. But that’s what makes it exciting to watch who emerges, and how wide receivers not named Jeremiah Smith develop connections with Julian Sayin. 

On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes’ secondary is going to be fascinating to watch post-Caleb Downs. The good news is that Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Mathews Jr. are both back and will hopefully take steps forward this season. Having those two guys back is a good place to start. 

This is a position group that will have to step up with so many new faces up front. One of the reasons the Buckeyes’ defense was so good last season was the ability to limit explosive plays. Sure, having Downs was a great place to start in that. But it was also Davison Igbinosun at cornerback, and the emergence of Mathews.

But what safety looks like without Caleb Downs will obviously be a big storyline. Who emerges among Terry Moore, Jaylen McClain, Leroy Roker III, Blaine Bradford, Simeon Caldwell, Deshawn Stewart, Khmari Bing and others.

The Buckeyes should still be strong on defense this season. They had a lot of new faces last year and still managed to be great through the regular season. Still, though, depth is important at the secondary level of the defense.

We will see how many guys emerge as potential impact players throughout the Spring.

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