‘Would Put My Money on Him’ — Ex-USC Star Raves About ‘Freak of Nature’ Jeremiah Smith’s Chances of Winning Heisman Trophy

‘Would Put My Money on Him’ — Ex-USC Star Raves About ‘Freak of Nature’ Jeremiah Smith’s Chances of Winning Heisman Trophy

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

‘Would Put My Money on Him’ — Ex-USC Star Raves About ‘Freak of Nature’ Jeremiah Smith’s Chances of Winning Heisman Trophy
Sep 26, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) with Illibuck, a trophy awarded to the winner of the college football rivalry between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Buckeyes, after the game at Ohio Stadium. © Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Sep 26, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) with Illibuck, a trophy awarded to the winner of the college football rivalry between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Buckeyes, after the game at Ohio Stadium. © Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Matt Leinart believes Jeremiah Smith has shown enough on the field to put himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation. The former USC quarterback has been so impressed by Ohio State’s star receiver that he believes Smith could even be the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL draft.

Leinart’s admiration for Smith dates back to the receiver’s freshman season, when he already looked ready to make the jump to the NFL.

Matt Leinart Backs Jeremiah Smith To Win the Heisman

Speaking on “First Things First,” Leinart made a strong case for Smith to win college football’s most prestigious individual award.

“I would put my money on him winning the Heisman Trophy right now,”Leinart said.

Leinart acknowledged that a quarterback could emerge as a Heisman contender. He also stressed the importance of delivering in the biggest games, but remained confident in Smith’s chances.

“I think he might end up running away with this thing,” Leinart added.

Leinart knows what a Heisman season looks like. He won the award at USC in 2004, finishing ahead of Oklahoma freshman Adrian Peterson.

During the discussion, Leinart recalled Peterson as another young player who made him believe someone could jump directly from high school into the NFL. Smith gave him that same impression almost immediately.

PREDICT THE CFB SEASON:PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor

“From day one, I was like, that dude could be in the NFL tomorrow and be fine. Like, and be good,” said the former QB.

Smith’s Production Backs Up Leinart’s Praise

The Ohio State Buckeyes receiver has backed up the attention with 44 catches for 823 yards and nine touchdowns through five games.

Smith ranks #2 nationally with a PFN CFB WR Impact Score of 96.6, updated Oct. 6. His record-breaking performance against Iowa added another major chapter to a college career already drawing extraordinary comparisons.

Leinart’s preferred comparison is Andre Johnson, although he acknowledged that Julio Jones is another name that frequently comes up.

“He’s a freak of nature. I’ll tell you that,” Leinart said.

DIVE IN:PFN’s Free CFB HQ — Team and Player Stats, Info, and More

The conversation also turned to Smith’s NFL draft outlook.

Leinart explained that the team holding the No. 1 pick and its quarterback needs would play a role in determining whether a receiver could go first overall. Still, he had little doubt that Smith would be among the first players selected.

“Wherever this guy goes, if he doesn’t go one, he’s gonna go two or three. There’s no doubt about that. He is an absolute stud,” Leinart said.

Ohio State hosts Maryland on Saturday, giving Smith another chance to strengthen his Heisman case. Leinart has made his pick. Now, Maryland’s secondary will have to find a way to slow Smith down.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos