Former Buckeye Star Says Jeremiah Smith is "Right There" Compared to Current NFL Stars

August 23, 2026 - 21:24

Caleb Downs has been in the NFL for about a month now, practicing and playing against the league's elite talent. And after that extended look at the highest level of competition, he still puts his former Ohio State teammate in that same class. Downs says Jeremiah Smith is "right there" with the top receivers he faces on a daily basis, which is a major statement given the caliber of defensive backs and wideouts he sees in practice and games.

Downs, who made the jump to the pros after a standout college career, has been impressed by the speed and physicality of the NFL game. But he insists Smith would not look out of place. The young receiver, who is still in college, has drawn comparisons to some of the biggest names in the sport. Downs' comments add more fuel to that fire, suggesting that Smith's blend of size, route running, and ball skills already translates to the next level.

It is one thing for analysts or fans to make those comparisons. It is another for a player who has shared the field with Smith and now lines up against NFL stars to make that claim. Downs has seen both sides up close, and his opinion carries weight. If Smith continues on this trajectory, the hype will only grow louder. For now, the former Buckeye star's endorsement is the latest sign that Smith is not just a college standout but a future pro ready to make an impact.