ESPN Ranks Five-Star WR Jeremiah Smith as No. 1 Player in America, Stirring Debate
In a surprising move, ESPN has ranked five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the No. 1 player in America, placing him ahead of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is among the top Heisman Trophy candidates. The decision has sparked widespread debate among college football analysts, fans, and even some NCAA insiders, as quarterbacks typically dominate such rankings due to their impact on the game.
Smith, a highly touted wide receiver out of Florida, has long been considered an elite talent, but few expected him to top a list traditionally dominated by quarterbacks and defensive linemen. The Ohio State commit has showcased an elite combination of size, speed, and hands, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His dominance at the high school level, along with impressive performances at national camps, likely played a major role in ESPN’s controversial ranking decision.
Meanwhile, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, a projected Heisman finalist, has been leading one of the most potent offenses in college football. Many experts believed he would be a lock for the top spot, given his performance and the importance of the quarterback position. The ranking of Smith ahead of Ewers has led to debates about the criteria used by ESPN, with some arguing that wide receivers simply don’t influence games as much as quarterbacks do. Others, however, believe Smith is a generational talent deserving of the recognition.
The controversy comes at a time when the NCAA is under scrutiny for its evolving landscape, including NIL deals, the transfer portal, and increased player influence. Some have speculated that ESPN’s ranking may be part of a broader shift toward recognizing playmakers outside the quarterback position.
Regardless of the debate, one thing is certain—Jeremiah Smith has now solidified himself as one of the most talked-about prospects in America. Whether he can live up to the hype at Ohio State remains to be seen, but for now, he stands atop ESPN’s rankings, fueling conversations about how we evaluate elite talent in college football.
