Jeremiah Smith Bemoans Hidden Downside of Life in Columbus With Ohio State Buckeyes

The Price of Fame: Ohio State Star Jeremiah Smith Can't Even Go Shopping

Nationally-recognized Buckeye struggles with everyday life amidst championship success.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a key player in the Ohio State Buckeyes' recent dominance, leading them to victory in the 2024-25 National Championship. The Florida native has become one of the most recognizable faces on campus, but that fame comes at a cost.

Everyday Life Takes a Backseat

In a video posted by Columbus news anchor Adam King, Smith candidly expressed the challenges of being a star athlete. "It be kind of hard...I like to go places and go out, so, like Target and like shop and stuff, but I know, being here I can't really do that," he confessed.

The sophomore continued, "It's been pretty hard for me cuz like I said I like to go out and shop like that, I've been doing that since I was a little kid, I like to go out with my friends, every time they wanted to go out to the grocery store I always go."

He added, “I like to go places and go out shopping and stuff but I know being here I can't really do that.”

A Star on and off the Field

Smith is projected as a top five NFL draft pick and a Heisman Trophy contender this season. With two former five-star quarterbacks competing for the starting spot, Tavien St. Clair and Julian Sayin, Smith is poised for another remarkable year.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver's blazing speed and athleticism have drawn comparisons to legendary NFL wide receivers Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Jerry Rice, and Julio Jones.

Buckeyes Face a Tough Start

Ohio State kicks off their season against the Texas Longhorns in a highly anticipated matchup at the Horseshoe on August 30, 2025.