Jeremiah Smith Crowns Quincy Porter Ohio State’s ‘Next One’ as Julian Fleming Eyes Breakout and Jordan Hancock Shines Under the Radar mith the eyes of Buckeye Nation firmly set on the horizon, it seems the wide receiver factory in Columbus is showing no signs of slowing down. Jeremiah Smith, the generational five-star freshman whose hype has only grown since his arrival at Ohio State, is already turning heads not just with his play, but with his words. Smith recently made headlines by naming fellow wideout Quincy Porter as Ohio State’s “Next One,” a title loaded with expectation and potential within the Buckeyes’ receiver room.Porter, a highly touted recruit out of New Jersey, hasn’t even logged a collegiate snap yet, but Smith’s endorsement carries serious weight. “He’s the real deal,” Smith said after a spring practice session. “The way he moves, how he catches in traffic, the focus—he reminds me of guys like Marvin [Harrison Jr.] when they were just getting started.” That’s no small comparison. In a receiver lineage that includes Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, being tagged as “Next” means you’re expected to become a future first-round pick—minimum.While Smith and Porter represent the future, the present is still buzzing with players looking to make their mark. Chief among them is Julian Fleming, a senior whose college career has been a rollercoaster of promise, injuries, and flashes of brilliance. Once the top receiver in the 2020 class, Fleming hasn’t quite lived up to the sky-high expectations—yet. But heading into what could be his final season, he appears more motivated than ever. “I feel healthy, I feel sharp, and I’m ready to be the guy this year,” Fleming said. Reports from camp suggest he’s more explosive, more confident, and fully locked in. If Fleming can finally put it all together, he could be the breakout star Ohio State’s offense needs to complement its younger talent.Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, cornerback Jordan Hancock continues to fly under the radar—just the way he likes it. With names like Denzel Burke getting most of the spotlight, Hancock has quietly developed into one of the Buckeyes’ most reliable defenders. His footwork, instincts, and ability to stick to receivers in man coverage have not gone unnoticed by coaches or teammates. “He’s a dog,” said defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. “He doesn’t care about the attention. He just shows up and locks people down.” In a conference where stopping the pass is increasingly vital, Hancock’s emergence could be a difference-maker.Together, Smith’s praise of Porter, Fleming’s hunger for redemption, and Hancock’s under-the-radar rise speak to the depth and promise of this Ohio State squad. The blend of youth, experience, and quiet leadership paints a picture of a team primed not just to compete—but to dominate.If you’re a Buckeye fan, there’s a lot to be excited about. If you’re an opposing DB or wideout? You might want to start losing sleep now.
