Ohio State coach Ryan Day expressed visible relief as No. 1 overall recruit Jeremiah Smith officially inked his commitment to the Buckeyes, fending off a late push from Miami. The signing of Smith bolsters Ohio State's top-five recruiting class and solidifies their position at the top of the Big Ten.

During his National Signing Day 2023 press conference, Day received the news that Smith had officially chosen Ohio State. Video footage captured Day's jubilant reaction as he pretended to fall to his knees in relief, knowing that one of the most highly sought-after wide receiver commits had joined the Buckeyes.

Smith, hailing from South Florida's Chaminade-Madonna Prep, recommitted to Ohio State at a ceremony in his hometown. Miami made a strong effort to sway Smith, but he ultimately decided that Ohio State was his destination. The young receiver revealed that he had brought both Ohio State and Miami hats to the ceremony and made his final decision at the last minute.

As a highly touted wide receiver prospect, Smith has made history by becoming the first wideout recruit to rank at the top of the Top247 list. This achievement is a testament to his outstanding performance, having caught 177 passes for 3,116 yards and 46 touchdowns in just three years.

According to 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, Smith's skill set is reminiscent of NFL standout Julio Jones. Ivins describes him as an unstoppable force at the catch point, possessing an exceptional blend of size, speed, and hands that will pose significant challenges for opposing defenses.

Ohio State's determination to retain Smith intensified after the team encountered setbacks in their recruiting class. Running back Jordan Lyle flipped his commitment to Miami on signing day, while highly regarded wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan opted for Oregon. Despite Alabama's strong pursuit of five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston, he ultimately chose to reaffirm his commitment to Ohio State.

Securing the top recruit in the class provides Day and his coaching staff with much-needed momentum heading into a crucial 2024 season. With their three starting receivers - Marvin Harrison Jr., Julian Fleming, and Emeka Egbuka - expected to depart next season, Smith is poised to step in as an immediate contributor. The Buckeyes will also need to adapt to a new starting quarterback following the departure of Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse.

The addition of Jeremiah Smith not only elevates Ohio State's recruiting class but also reinforces their position as a football powerhouse. With his exceptional talents, Smith holds the promise of a bright future for the Buckeyes as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.