Depends...": First-Round OSU Star Says Jeremiah Smith Could Be No. 1 Pick Under One Condition

Jeremiah Smith's Rose Bowl breakout has put him at the center of early NFL draft chatter about a potential No. 1 pick. The Ohio State freshman tallied 187 receiving yards against Oregon, setting an Ohio State freshman record in a CFP game. He also starred in the national championship win over Notre Dame, catching five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Even with such production, experts say quarterback needs and team fit will influence whether he goes first. Projections increasingly imagine that a quarterback-led team could pass on top defenders to select Smith. Former OSU receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown discussed the topic on a podcast, suggesting Smith could be the No. 1 pick. Analysts debate whether teams would trade back to maximize value if a quarterback is available. Beyond Smith, other premium prospects—Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and Julian Sayin—are also in the conversation. The Raiders, for example, hypothetically built around a top pick who includes elite receivers, though this scenario remains speculative. Looking toward the 2027 NFL Draft, Smith's versatility against top defenses keeps him firmly in the conversation.