Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith revealed at Big Ten Media Days that his childhood dream school was Alabama under Nick Saban, according to player interviews from the event. Despite his early aspirations growing up in Miami Gardens, Florida, the Crimson Tide didn’t follow through.
Why Alabama Passed on Recruiting Jeremiah Smith
According to Smith’s statements at Big Ten Media Days, Alabama stopped pursuing him because of his early commitment to Ohio State. “I think I committed to Ohio State too early,” Smith said, as reported from the interview sessions. “That’s why they stopped. They thought there was no chance.”
Before Smith’s recruitment, Alabama regularly secured elite wide receiver talent from South Florida. Smith pointed to former standout receivers like Amari Cooper, a four-star prospect in 2012, along with five-star recruits Calvin Ridley in 2015 and Jerry Jeudy in 2017, all of whom traveled from South Florida to play in Tuscaloosa.
Did you know?
Before landing Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s wide receiver pipeline under Brian Hartline successfully sent elite targets like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. directly to the NFL.
How Brian Hartline and Ohio State Secured the Star Receiver
By the time Smith entered the 2024 recruiting class, Brian Hartline had built a proven track record of developing top NFL draft picks. With Emeka Egbuka nearing the end of his college career and Carnell Tate ascending toward top-five draft status, the Buckeyes presented an established destination for elite pass catchers.
Following Smith’s commitment, the landscape in college football shifted. Nick Saban retired following the 2023 season, and Ohio State subsequently added former Alabama players Seth McLaughlin, Caleb Downs, and Julian Sayin through the transfer portal. Smith delivered a standout freshman campaign, helping the Buckeyes win the 2024 national championship and positioning himself as a top player entering the 2026 season, according to program and player tracking data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alabama ever offer a scholarship to Jeremiah Smith?
No. According to Smith, Alabama did not recruit him because they believed his early commitment to Ohio State left no chance of flipping his decision.
Why did Jeremiah Smith want to play for Alabama?
Smith stated that growing up in Miami Gardens, Florida, Alabama was his dream school during the tenure of Nick Saban.
Which South Florida receivers previously played for Alabama?
Smith highlighted Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, and Jerry Jeudy as prominent examples of elite South Florida wide receivers who previously signed with the Crimson Tide.
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