Ohio State is fresh off a Cinderella season in Columbus, finally hoisting a national trophy after a decade of waiting and relentless grind. Ryan Day was on the right track, but he also had a killer squad backing up his rejuvenated mojo, leading to a thrilling, top-tier triumph and, to some extent, dodging the heart-wrenching Michigan misery. Well, another year of this high-octane performance will solidify the belief that the win wasn’t a fluke for Day and the team. But to keep the momentum rolling, they need a ridiculously strong roster, especially on offense.

Jeremiah Smith is already making waves as the must-watch receiver returning this year for OSU. But if you want to see him fly, you need to fix his wings—oh, we mean, quarterback Julian Sayin.

Julian Sayin will have an instrumental role in Smith’s future at OSU

Julian Sayin has promising odds in his favor to start the season strong. He is technically a rookie, as he has yet to start a game in his collegiate career. But from next season onwards, the Alabama transfer is supposed to be OSU’s starter as a true sophomore. He had lofty numbers as a freshman, playing 27 snaps, mounting 84 passing yards, and a touchdown. He stands out as the Buckeyes’ betting favorite to win the Heisman trophy with +1200 odds. But guess what? Sayin has a more important role to play heading toward the season, and it is to support Jeremiah Smith to reach his highest potential.

Explaining his job, RJ Young noted, ”The only question around Jeremiah Smith is how Julian Sayin going to be able to provide the service that Jeremiah Smith needs to be successful. And if not, can Tavien St. Clair and Lincoln Kienholz do that? I think it’s Julian Sayin’s job to lose. Dude seems to have what Ryan Day is looking for, what Chip Kelly is looking for, and knowing that you got Jeremiah Smith for not just this year but the next year, all things considered, is important to note here. ”

Jeremiah Smith was Will Howard’s go-to guy all season long, and he proved his worth even in the championship game. Howard launched a deep pass to Smith, who hauled it in 54 yards downfield, setting up first and goal for the Buckeyes. Can Sayin replicate that kind of clutch play next season? Smith has been absolutely spectacular against teams like Tennessee and Oregon, and if he keeps playing at this level, another breakout season is practically guaranteed.

”As far as Jeremiah Smith is concerned, what he needs to do, I mean, just get back to the college football playoff for one, but if he beats Michigan and leads the team to beat Michigan for this first time in five years, that’s one; another one is a big 10 championship win, and then it’s a wrap,” the analyst added. Not being able to smack the Wolverines has been the age-old curse that the Buckeyes are carrying. With a prospect like Smith and Siyan on the backend, it seems there is nothing wrong with holding on to the faith for the fifth year.

Smith recorded high-flying numbers, including 76 receptions, 1315 yards, and 15 touchdowns; averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per catch is all good. But what holds more weight is Smith’s unshakable loyalty to the Buckeyes.

Jeremiah Smith dismissed the doubt over his return to Ohio State

Smith has predictably captured a lot of eyes in today’s college football landscape. The fame reached so high that Ryan Day had to worry about him taking his talent elsewhere for the remaining years by a bigger NIL money lure or something more. But the Buckeyes’ standout receiver doesn’t pay heed to what the world is saying. No matter how many people are projecting him on the Miami Hurricanes locker room for a whopping $5 million, he silenced all of them with a brief and sharp response.

A random fan made a random post suggesting his potential Miami move and asked in the caption when he would go out there and take what’s him. In response, the WR phenom said, “I am good, I promise you,” with a laughing-out-loud emoji, clearly hinting at his disinterest in the same.

Well, loyalty isn’t just about the emotion attached to the school. It’s equally practical. Just look at the former Ohio State receivers who are turning the tides in the NFL as a first- or second-round pick. So, staying at Ohio State only boosts his stock for the future.