Jeremiah Smith Breaks 2 More Records in Ohio State Win

© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

True freshman sensation wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had yet another record-breaking afternoon for the No. 2 Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten Conference) in their 45-0 win over Purdue (1-8, 0-6) on Nov. 9 in Ohio Stadium. Smith already passed Ohio State legend Cris Carter's former record for receiving yards in a freshman season for the school. Against the Boilermakers, Smith would take two more of Carter's 40-year-old records. These feats came after Smith was just named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award earlier this week.

Freshman Receptions Record

Smith came into Saturday's game with 39 receptions on the year That marked him just two catches short of Carter's record of 41. Smith hauled in 6 catches against Purdue to take the top spot over Carter early in the game. He has proven to be quarterback Will Howard's go-to target this season. He will surely continue looking to his superstar freshman as he extends his lead for first place through the rest of the year.

Freshman Receiving Touchdowns Record

Smith also entered the Purdue matchup tied with Carter for most receiving touchdowns in a freshman season with 8. Smith wanted to break that tie on Nov. 2 against No. 6 Penn State (8-1, 5-1). He had an opportunity late in the game as he found himself wide open, but wasn't ready for the pass from Howard.

Smith wasted no time making up for that mistake against the Boilermakers. He caught a short shallow cross from Howard with 34 seconds left in the half and took it into the end zone for the 17-yard touchdown. Smith broke the record the same way he seems to do everything on the field, with ease.

Jeremiah Smith's Future

Smith now has every major freshman season receiving record for Ohio State. He will only continue to widen the gap between him and any future prospects that could threaten his spot. He is now well ahead of Carter's second-place numbers with three regular season games remaining. The next step for Smith will be closing the gap on Ohio State career receiving records. Michael Jenkins holds the career receiving yards record with 2,898. Smith is currently at 765 yards with plenty of time to add to his total this year. If Smith can continue his success this season and go over 1,000 yards in each of his next two years, he should pass Jenkins with little problem.

The all-time receptions and touchdowns records could be more difficult feats for Smith to pass. The issue is not his skill, but the lack of time he will likely spend at Ohio State. KJ Hill holds the career receptions record with 201. Smith is at 45 catches this season and would have to rack in passes at a slightly higher rate to pass Hill, who played four total years with the team.

Chris Olave also played four full seasons with the Buckeyes and has the career receiving touchdowns record with 35. This one is much more achievable for Smith to obtain. He would need to add a couple more scores this year and then make sure he finishes with roughly 12 touchdowns in each of his next two years with the Buckeyes. Given that Smith has scored in all but one game, he could very well reach this accomplishment. His ability to come down with seemingly every jump ball makes him the go-to target in the red zone. Smith also has an unreal ability to get to top speed almost immediately with the ball in his hands, making him a threat to score from anywhere else on the field as well. He has shown his insane acceleration and knack for blowing by defenders numerous times this season. Smith was clocked at 21.7 miles per hour on his 70-yard touchdown against Western Michigan (5-4, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) earlier this year.

Smith has been perhaps the best wide receiver at Ohio State this year despite the position group being full of stars, including veteran star Emeka Egbuka. Smith being a top target for one of the best teams in the country as an 18-year-old is unbelievably impressive. His play this season has been unlike anything college football has ever seen. There were surely be more records for Smith to add to his list of accolades before he moves to playing on Sundays.