Episode Details

Will Jeremiah Smith Reach Immortality?! /Ohio State Primetime LIVE 81

Episode 317 Published 3 weeks, 4 days ago

Gaddy opens with the standard VOCFB plugs: like/subscribe, vocfb.com, VOCFB shop for Buckeye merch (mugs, koozies, apparel).
Fun fact: He played golf at Interlocking Golf Course and comments on Midwest weather/rain safety.
Main monologue: Highlights a stat from Tom Fornelli showing Ohio State with the most wins in the BCS/CFP era since 1998 (over 300 wins).
- #2: Alabama
- #3: Georgia
- #4: Boise State (strong WAC run noted)
Ohio State has "carried" the Big Ten for decades. Michigan (Wolverines) and Penn State are notably absent or lower despite recent success (Michigan's 2023 title). USC and Oregon wins are mostly pre-Big Ten. Wisconsin surprises with consistent top-10-ish success in 2000s/2010s.
Takeaway: Ohio State is the most consistent program in college football history across eras (polls, BCS, CFP). They have championships in multiple formats, including the first AP/BCS/CFP combo and the recent expanded playoff win. Gaddy calls them the second-best program historically (behind Alabama in peaks but more consistent).

Gaddy reads quotes from Caroline Rice (Ozone) and Hankton's media session.
Hankton praises Ohio State's culture, brotherhood, tough love under Ryan Day, and how easy it is to coach players who embrace hard work and growth. He stepped in seamlessly after Brian Hartline's departure.
Key emphases from Hankton:
- More opportunities to catch and carry the ball (YAC focus).
- Take it to the house — create big plays after the catch, not just possession.
- Let the guys have more fun; the room can be too serious/tight.
Gaddy's take: Initial fan skepticism (outside noise about Hankton from LSU) was overblown. Kyle Parker following him, plus positive words from Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, etc., signal good fit. Excited for a fresh voice after 9 years with Hartline. The WR room looks loaded and headed in the right direction.

Episode title centers on whether Smith can reach "immortality" as an Ohio State great.
Context: Everyone knew Smith was a 3-year player/NFL talent early. After his freshman year (Rose Bowl standout), he was already a projected top-5 pick if he left.
Current/Recent Stats (through 2025 season mentioned in context):
- Receptions: ~163 career (nearing Emeka Egbuka's Ohio State record of 205).
- Yards: ~2,558 (nearing or pressuring Egbuka's ~2,868 record).
- TDs: 27 (nearing Chris Olave's 35 record).
- 2025: Strong production (around 87 rec, 1,243 yds, 12 TDs in one reference point).
Expectations for 2026 (his likely final college year):
- Break Ohio State receiving records in receptions, yards, and TDs.
- Win the Biletnikoff Award (after near-misses).
- Add a Big Ten title to his national championship.
- Potential signature games (e.g., massive receiving outputs like his freshman Rose Bowl).
Legacy debate: If he breaks the records + personal accolades + another title + memorable plays (like the Notre Dame championship contribution), Gaddy argues he'll be in the conversation for best Ohio State WR ever (over Olave, Egbuka, etc., in college production). NFL career will decide all-time great status, but college legacy looks elite. Gaddy compares to JSN's injury-shortened peak and notes Ohio State's balanced offense spreads the ball.