Ohio State football wide receiver Jeremiah Smith sparked “GOAT” debates the last three seasons. Smith is a trending Heisman Trophy finalist now that he's scored nine touchdowns so far. But he's officially intensifying the NFL Draft chatter, now that he can enter.
Smith can choose to forgo his senior season now that he's in his third collegiate season. Signs point toward the Buckeyes wideout testing the draft waters after this year.
That said, there are NFL teams needing wideout help now that the first four games have passed. Including one that can pair two Buckeyes stars together.
The Saturday Ohio State versus Maryland game in Columbus surely will draw in scouts. But here are three teams that need to scrutinize Smith more closely, as they clearly need the receiver help.
Houston Texans
Yes quarterback CJ Stroud has Nico Collins to throw to. But the Texans' 2026 season is unraveling fast at 0-4.
Plus it's looking like the Buckeyes legend Stroud needs help anyway for another reason. Houston has four different wideouts entering free agency in March 2027. Xavier Hutchinson and Tank Dell rise as two entering the free agent market, with the latter likely needing a change of scenery amid his inability with staying healthy.
Even though Collins is a Michigan guy, he'll likely tolerate having a Buckeye next to him with Stroud. But just imagine this potential trio of Stroud/Collins/Smith all together.
Houston can reignite AFC title contender chatter by somehow landing Smith. Especially if Houston ends up earning a top five selection come April.
Washington Commanders
Here's another potential electric and dynamic pairing: Smith with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
That'll re-spark interest in the franchise throughout the nation's capitol. Plus can get Smith to learn from another Buckeyes legend in Terry McLaurin.
Now “Scary Terry” isn't getting any younger. Even though he'll have one year left on his Aug. 2025 extension he signed. But he can show Smith the NFL ropes and help form chemistry with Daniels.
Feels like a perfect passing of the torch between two Buckeyes here between McLaurin and Smith. But this Daniels and Smith pairing will create high ticket sales plus a high probability of sleepless nights for cornerbacks.
Article Continues BelowLos Angeles Chargers
The Bolts are the league's hottest mess. LAC stands at 0-4 and there's the feeling the Jim Harbaugh/Mike McDaniel experiment could end sooner than expected.
But say Harbaugh hands McDaniel another year, plus the front office welcomes both back. And quarterback Justin Herbert gaining a new wide receiver rises at the forefront.
Smith entering the picture brings a needed jolt of energy for a team that needs the charge. Even if it means Harbaugh putting aside his Michigan-Ohio State rivalry for this one.
Los Angeles needs help outside of star wideout Ladd McConkey. Granted, Quentin Johnston has quietly improved in creating back-to-back eight touchdown seasons before 2026. But he enters the final season of his rookie deal next season. So LAC still needs wideout help anyway. Smith looks like a clear fit in McDaniel's “Ferrari” offensive approach especially off speed alone. If this season unravels some more for the Bolts, the silver lining is positioning themselves for Smith.