Columbus, Ohio – In a thrilling college football season, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has taken the college football world by storm as a true freshman in 2024. With his incredible skills on the field, Smith played a significant role in leading the Buckeyes to a national championship victory this season.
Despite his impressive performance, which included a total of 15 receiving touchdowns, Smith still fell short of breaking into the list of the top all-time single-season touchdown records for wide receivers. His 15 touchdowns were five short of the 10th-best mark for scoring receptions in a single season, highlighting just how challenging it can be to reach those lofty heights. The 2024 season also saw Smith playing in a total of 16 games, thanks to the new 12-team College Football Playoff format that extended the season longer than ever before, giving opportunities to many players like him to set new records.
When looking at the history of the NCAA, the list of players with the most touchdown receptions in a single season reveals some true legends of the game. Jarett Dillard from Rice set the standard in 2006 with an astonishing 20 touchdown receptions, a record he would later match again. Dillard holds the NCAA record for total career touchdown receptions with 60 and is currently on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.
Another standout is Justin Blackmon, who was a force to be reckoned with during his time at Oklahoma State, winning the prestigious Biletnikoff Award twice in 2010 and 2011. Meanwhile, Patrick Edwards registered 20 touchdowns in a record-setting season in 2011 with Houston, showcasing how prolific receiver performances can change a season.
Others like DeVonta Smith and Randy Moss have shown that achieving over 20 receiving touchdowns in a season is possible and can lead to significant accolades, including the Heisman Trophy in Smith’s case.
As Smith continues to develop in his college career, it will be exciting to see if he can challenge these records in future seasons. The Buckeyes and their fans are undoubtedly hoping to see more from this rising star.
