Jeremiah Smith's trajectory as one of college football's biggest stars just keeps rising.
In Monday's College Football Playoff national championship matchup against Notre Dame, Ohio State's star freshman virtually sealed a win with a massive play. With the fourth quarter winding down and the Buckeyes up by eight, Will Howard found Smith for a 56-yard catch that killed any remaining hopes for the Fighting Irish.
As Ohio State claimed its 34-23 win, Smith further etched his name into college football history — and backed up some pregame comments in the process.
Here's what Smith had to say about Notre Dame's secondary before Monday's matchup, plus a look at the freshman's championship-sealing catch.
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Jeremiah Smith challenges Notre Dame's man coverage leading up to national championship
Before the Buckeyes and Irish even stepped foot on the field, Smith was full of confidence in how he and the rest of Ohio State's wide receivers would match up against a formidable Notre Dame secondary.
"If you are going to play man [to-man defense] against Ohio State, be ready," Smith said, per ESPN. "I can't wait to put on a show."
Smith emphasized that Marcus Freeman's squad plays man defense "80 percent" of the time, giving he and other Buckeyes pass catchers opportunities to make big plays.
The true freshman, already on a clear path to stardom, proved himself right in Monday's game, making arguably the most critical play of the game.
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Jeremiah Smith's 56-yard catch seals Ohio State's national championship win over Notre Dame
Ohio State led in most of the national championship matchup, but the Fighting Irish were threatening late. After a touchdown and two-point conversion, Notre Dame trailed 31-23, needing a defensive stop to get one last chance to tie it up.
Smith didn't let that happen. On a crucial 3rd & 11 with under three minutes remaining, Ryan Day took a shot with his quarterback, as Howard got some pressure then quickly threw a deep ball to Smith.
With Howard's pinpoint pass to his in-stride receiver, Ohio State picked up 56 yards.
JEREMIAH SMITH DOWN THERE SOMEWHERE
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 21, 2025
pic.twitter.com/GVtQqoDKdz
Smith's catch also came in man coverage just as he hinted at leading up to the game, and it allowed the Buckeyes to take almost all of the remaining time off the clock while adding a field goal from Jayden Fielding for good measure.
The play didn't just seal Ohio State's first national title since 2014, but it was also the perfect ending to one of the most dominant freshman seasons college football has ever seen. Smith came into Monday's game with 71 catches for 1,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, arguably the sport's most dangerous weapon at just 19 years old.
Smith finished with five receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown against the Fighting Irish. His touchdown came in the second quarter:
"I don't know how you leave No. 4 wide-ass open." @PatMcAfeeShow saw Jeremiah Smith's touchdown coming from a mile away 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/A2NY0g6aVX
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 21, 2025
On multiple occasions, Notre Dame didn't put enough bodies near Smith. As the freshman noted before the game, one-on-one coverage simply isn't enough to stop him.