Two years removed from signing day, the 2024 college football recruiting class is shaking out in ways nobody could have fully predicted. Jeremiah Smith, the top overall prospect and a wide receiver out of Ohio State, has absolutely exploded, blowing past even the wildest expectations and cementing himself as one of the most dominant players in the game.
Smith Is Unstoppable, Robinson Is Ready to Take Over
Let's talk about Jeremiah Smith, because this dude is a phenom. He was pegged as a "generational talent" before he ever even hit the collegiate field, and get this: he's the only wide receiver to finish his class as the No. 1 overall prospect since 247Sports started ranking recruits way back in 2000. That's insane. And he's lived up to every ounce of that hype, and then some. Smith posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns in his first two seasons in Columbus, a feat so rare at Ohio State he's only the second player in program history to pull it off. The bar was ridiculously high, but Smith isn't just meeting it; he's vaulting over it. He's exactly the kind of foundational piece programs dream about landing. Then you've got Ellis Robinson IV, the No. 1 overall defensive prospect from that same 2024 class. He's been meeting expectations for Georgia, which is still incredibly impressive considering how stacked that program always is. Heading into his redshirt sophomore year, Robinson started twelve games for the Bulldogs last season, snagging four interceptions in his first extended run of action. The raw Sunday traits are just jumping off the tape with this kid, and his development last fall suggests he could be one of the first defensive backs off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft. He just needs to keep building on that foundation from last year, and he's gonna be a beast.Lagway's Struggle Puts Everything In Question
But not every five-star path stays on course, and DJ Lagway's story is the rough flip side of that coin. Lagway, a quarterback, initially showed flashes, leading the Florida Gators to a 6-1 record as a true freshman after their starter Graham Mertz went down with an injury. You thought, "Okay, this kid's got it." But a brutal series of injuries completely derailed his critical offseason as he prepped for his first full year as a starter. The consequence? He struggled to find any rhythm throughout the campaign. He actually led the SEC in interceptions thrown. Talk about a tough break! Now at Baylor, Lagway's trek forward is definitely murkier than it looked eighteen months ago. His situation is the perfect example of how quickly things can change and how much is truly "in question" for these young guys. As we head into the 2026 season, Smith is looking to solidify his status as a college football legend, Robinson aims to prove he's a premier corner, and Lagway has everything to prove. This upcoming year is absolutely pivotal for these guys, shaping their entire careers. You just have to wonder if Lagway can turn things around.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.