Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- Purdue
- Indiana
Background Info
- Listed at 6-3/223 lbs.
- 5-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
- Number one overall recruit in 2024 class
- Unanimous All-American (2025)
- First-team All-American (2024)
- 2× Big Ten Receiver of the Year (2024, 2025)
- Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2024)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2024, 2025)
- All-American Bowl Player of the Year (2023)
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 27.8% Target share of the passing offense
- 163 Receptions
- 2,554 Receiving yards
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 5.3 Yards after contact per reception
- 3.28 Yards per route run
- Average depth of target of 12 yards
- 3 Drops
- 23 Contested catches
Strengths
- Reliable run blocker
- High points the ball in the air
- Excellent body control with and without the ball in his hands
- Has a “waggle” to his game where simple movements are sold so well it allows him to create
- Creates separation off the line and later in his routes
Player Summary
Jeremiah Smith is far and away the best player I have watched, regardless of position, this Summer. He just has a way about him that, even in games, he makes it look so effortless, almost as if he is going through the motions. However, in reality, the way he plays is just that advanced and above everyone else. His body control is next level, he tracks the ball at an elite level, and his YAC ability is that of top-end NFL wide receivers. There is so much to say about Smith, but what needs to be hammered home is that he is truly a special talent in the 2027 NFL Draft class.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
