As the long offseason continues before kickoff of the 2026 college football season, analysts are already debating which players will dominate the sport. Among the early rankings, one name continues to stand above the rest: Jeremiah Smith of the Ohio State Buckeyes football.
Media personality Brooks Austin recently released a ranking of the top 10 non-quarterbacks in college football entering 2026, placing Smith at the very top of the list.
Jeremiah Smith Leads Top Non-QB Rankings
Smith enters what could be his third and final season at Ohio State as one of the most accomplished players in the country.
The 6-foot-3 receiver was the No. 1 wide receiver prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, and he quickly lived up to the hype during his first two seasons.
His impact was immediate, helping power Ohio State’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship during his freshman season.
Jeremiah Smith Career Production
| Season | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Freshman) | 76 | 1,315 | 15 |
| 2025 (Sophomore) | 87 | 1,243 | 12 |
Despite playing two fewer games in 2025, Smith still delivered nearly identical production.
He earned several major honors, including:
- Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year (back-to-back seasons)
- First Team All-Big Ten selection
- Consensus All-America recognition
Ohio State Seeking Redemption in 2026
Although Ohio State entered 2025 as the defending national champion, the team fell short of repeating.
The Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated but suffered a heartbreaking loss to Indiana Hoosiers football in the Big Ten Championship Game before being eliminated in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
That disappointing finish has created a sense of unfinished business heading into the 2026 campaign.
For Smith, the motivation is personal as well.
Biletnikoff Award Motivation
Smith was one of the three finalists for the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2025, which is given annually to the nation’s best wide receiver.
However, the award ultimately went to Makai Lemon of the USC Trojans football, beating out both Smith and Skyler Bell from UConn Huskies football.
Smith has made it clear that the result still fuels him.
“I’m just gonna be on go every game. I feel like they took something from me and everybody’s gotta pay for it,” Smith said earlier this year about his mindset entering the season.
Malachi Toney Emerges as a Rival
One of Smith’s biggest challengers for the 2026 Biletnikoff Award could be Malachi Toney of the Miami Hurricanes football.
Toney gained national attention during the 2025–2026 College Football Playoff, where his explosive performances helped elevate Miami’s offense.
While both players are elite receivers, their playing styles differ dramatically.
Smith vs. Toney Comparison
| Player | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Jeremiah Smith | Size, speed, physical dominance |
| Malachi Toney | Elusiveness, quickness, return ability |
Smith’s combination of size and vertical speed makes him one of the most dangerous downfield threats in college football. Toney, on the other hand, relies on agility and quick acceleration to create separation.
Why Smith Is the Early Favorite
Several factors make Smith the early favorite to dominate the 2026 season:
- Elite physical traits at 6-foot-3 and over 220 pounds
- Two straight seasons of elite production
- Experience in big games and playoff runs
- Strong motivation after missing out on the Biletnikoff Award
With another big season, Smith could solidify his status as the top wide receiver prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. Jeremiah Smith enters the 2026 season as arguably the most dominant non-quarterback in college football.
After two seasons of elite production and a near miss for the Biletnikoff Award, the Ohio State star has plenty of motivation heading into what could be his final college campaign. While rising stars like Malachi Toney will challenge him, Smith remains the standard against which every other receiver in the sport is measured.
