Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes ended their 2024 season on a high note,

Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes ended their 2024 season on a high note,

Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes ended their 2024 season on a high note, securing a 34-23 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

However, since that win, Ohio State has faced significant coaching departures. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left last week to take the same role at Penn State, and on Sunday, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly accepted the OC position with the Las Vegas Raiders under new head coach Pete Carroll.

 

Smith, a standout freshman receiver from Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood, FL), was clearly unhappy with Kelly’s departure. He took to social media, posting a one-word reaction:

 

“Nooooo💔” on X.

 

In just one season under Kelly, Smith established himself as one of the nation’s top receivers. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound playmaker caught 57 passes for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American honors and being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

 

Kelly had two years left on his contract with Ohio State but will only owe the university a $350,000 buyout to leave for the NFL, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

 

Kelly previously spoke highly of Smith, praising his talent and work ethic. After the national championship, he remarked, “That’s the one thing about JJ, he’s a tremendous athlete. But his work ethic really stood out to me. It’s not typical for a 17-year-old. He just turned 18, but he carries himself like an NFL veteran.”

 

Kelly is no stranger to the NFL, having previously served as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers from 2013 to 2016. Now, he returns to the league, leaving Ohio State with a key vacancy to fill in its coaching staff.