Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a phenom in his freshman season. On Wednesday, he played a big part in helping the Buckeyes dominate the Oregon Ducks to win the Rose Bowl and advance to the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Despite his elite play, he is not eligible to enter the NFL Draft until he plays two more seasons. Players can’t enter the NFL until they are three years removed from high school, but that didn’t stop a former NFL QB from hyping up his pro skill set, or fans from saying he was getting over his skis.
Fans React as Dan Orlovsky Says Jeremiah Smith Will Be No. 1 Pick in 2027
Dan Orlovsky appeared on “Get Up” on ESPN the day after the 2025 Rose Bowl and spoke about Smith’s performance. He talked about how he is already one of the best wide receivers in college football. However, one quote generated the most response:
“He would easily be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. You will have teams in two years, for that ’27 draft, tanking for him.”
Fans reacted in different ways to this quote. However, some were doubtful of Orlovsky’s take, citing some of his previous predictions for college players.
“They said the same about [Marvin Harrison Jr.,] and he’s already an NFL bust,” one fan wrote, taking a shot at the former Ohio State WR’s rookie campaign after being the first receiver off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft.
They said the same about Harrison Jr and he’s already an NFL bust
— Jack D (@jamski) January 2, 2025
“Hard disagree, bro ran out the back of the endzone with this take,” one fan commented, referring to Orlovsky’s infamous blunder with the Detroit Lions.
“Dan Orlovsky has been leaning way too hard on this hot take bag..he doesn’t have to go overboard in trying to overhype and predict something all the time,” one fan added.
Dan Orlovsky has been leaning way too hard on this hot take bag..he doesn’t have to go overboard in trying to overhype and predict something all the time.
— SDub (@Savy2Smooth) January 2, 2025
However, not all fans reacted negatively to the quote. Several agreed with Orlovsky and said Smith could be the next big thing in the NFL.
“He’s right. Best WR prospect in forever and the QB class is less than stellar this year,” one fan wrote.
He’s right. Best WR prospect in forever and the QB class is less than stellar this year
— Terps Recruiting (@TerpRecruiting) January 2, 2025
“I don’t think it’s an overreaction. Just depends on the QBs that year and what the teams need,” one fan commented.
“I don’t think this is an overreaction. The guy is an absolute monster. There are no remarkable prospects in this year’s draft. If you were New England, why wouldn’t you take this kid?” one fan added.
I don't think this is an overreaction. The guy is an absolute monster. There are no remarkable prospects in this year's draft. If you were New England, why wouldn't you take this kid?
— John Kluge (@kluge294872) January 2, 2025
While Orlovsky and many fans believe Smith will be the first overall pick in a few years, it is impossible to project that far down the line. Other players will emerge in that time and could pass Smith. So, he will need to continue his stellar play throughout his college career, of which we will hopefully get two more healthy years at which to marvel.