Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, already widely heralded as one of the nation’s elite young talents, delivered a moment of sheer spectacle today that sent college football fans and commentators into a frenzy across social media platforms.
During a critical drive against rival Penn State, Smith elevated for a jaw-dropping, one-handed catch that immediately went viral. While the exact context of the play—whether a touchdown or a crucial down conversion—varied across different circulating clips, the consensus on X (formerly Twitter) was unanimous: the catch was an instant classic that reaffirmed the five-star recruit’s immense potential.
Jeremiah Smith said GIMME THAT 😤@OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/Hel6CNfgWT
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 1, 2025
The play was a flashpoint of excitement in the highly anticipated Big Ten matchup, solidifying Smith’s reputation for making highlight-reel plays with astonishing regularity. The grab, which saw Smith fully extended while controlling the ball with his right hand, quickly earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greatest pass-catchers.
Social Media Erupts
Reactions from current and former professional athletes, analysts, and fans flooded the internet, many using hyperbolic language to describe the impossibility of the reception.
NBA superstar LeBron James, a devoted Ohio State fan, was among the first major figures to react, simply posting multiple variations of the astonished face emoji followed by, “JEREMIAH SMITH!!!! MAN KNOCK IT OFF!!!! MY GOODNESS O-H..”
Former NFL and Ohio State players also weighed in, recognizing the elite athletic display.
- Former Buckeye and current NFL star Paris Johnson Jr. posted a clip of the catch, simply stating, “again. the goat,” a significant nod for a player only in his first collegiate season.
- Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown, who threw the pass, succinctly captured the sentiment shared by many, tweeting, “He’s not real,” an acknowledgment of Smith’s extraordinary ability.
- Another reaction from former player Jamarco Jones exclaimed, “Ok this dude insane,” highlighting the disbelief that a true freshman is producing plays of this caliber.
Beyond the praise, the play served as another piece of evidence for those who believe Smith is on a trajectory to become one of the most decorated wide receivers in program history, a lineage that includes Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Garrett Wilson.
The dramatic grab further cemented the narrative that Smith’s athleticism transcends the typical freshman learning curve, making every down an opportunity for a highlight. As the Buckeyes continue their high-stakes season, the expectation for these kind of gravity-defying plays from Smith will only continue to grow.
