Jeremiah Smith is 2027 NFL WR1, but here’s why Cam Coleman can jump rankings

The highly-anticipated Ohio State football versus Texas football showdown carries 2027 NFL Draft implications. Not just national championship hopes for both teams. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is one headliner, but Texas brings its dynamic talent Cam Coleman.

The Buckeyes star enters his third collegiate season, officially making him draft eligible after this campaign. Many draft experts believe Smith can become the first WR to land at No. 1 overall in the draft since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.

Regardless, Smith walks into Darrell K. Royal Stadium in Austin wearing the WR1 label for potential 2027 NFL Draft prospects. Yet Coleman is capable of catapulting him on Saturday.

Time to compare what makes both wideouts unique and having few peers across the nation.

Jeremiah Smith was pro ready before junior season

Trace back to Smith’s true freshman season to see how he looked beyond prepared for the CFB rigors.

He executed uncanny top end speed for a wideout carrying 215-pounds. Smith still looks explosive with his 223-pound frame.

Smith pulls off textbook breaks on his releases that creates a large gap between him and the cornerback. He’s able to bend low then snap in forcing CBs to lose their footing or deliver a bad hip angle.

Smith delivers elite ball tracking ability too, making him one of the more trustworthy wideouts in the nation. Like a true receiver, he wants the ball when it’s in the air. But his eyes and hands bring forth two more dominating traits he possesses.

Smith rarely drops the football, dropping two passes out of the 106 targeted throws he saw in 2025. Finally, here’s where NFL teams salivate over his potential: Smith produces astonishing numbers in big games under head coach Ryan Day, even if it’s a loss. Just look at his evening against Miami despite falling in the College Football Playoffs semifinals round. Although he thrashed Oregon in their Rose Bowl contest before winning the 2024 season national title, with that game emboldening Smith’s potential.

So Smith presents his case as the nation’s most complete wideout, and one of the more pro ready talents in years. But Coleman walks into his home venue showcasing the skills to rearrange the top wideout order.

How Cam Coleman snatches WR1 crown in this game

Coleman lures his own 6-foot-3 frame and carrying close to 210-pounds. Except he started his journey with Auburn before playing for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Coleman shows off near similar traits to the Buckeyes standout. He’s one more vertical threat who can stretch the field and become a lock to win the battle for the football. Coleman’s nose for the football makes him his own strong ball tracker.

He’s another who’s just as snappy with his releases, stacking cornerbacks up before breaking loose. Except here’s where Coleman brings an edge over Smith: Fighting off press man coverage.

Smith has struggled with getting off the line of scrimmage when CBs play closer and more aggressive too him. The OSU WR often relies more on his feet to get out. Coleman turns to elite hand swipes to evade corners, then turn on the jets from there.

Smith, however, holds the edge in ball security compared to the Longhorn with Coleman losing two fumbles last season. Lastly, Coleman must show more power in breaking off tackles especially against a younger Buckeyes defense.

So the nation gets treated to watching two future NFL wideout cornerstones. But a Texas victory, plus Coleman going off for more than 150 yards, will change the minds of draft experts crowning Smith as the WR1 for the next class.

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