Jeremiah Smith Overlooked as Makai Lemon Wins 2025 Biletnikoff Award

The Biletnikoff Award, widely regarded as the top honor for FBS wide receivers, concluded its 2025 ceremony with a surprising result: Makai Lemon of USC took home the trophy, while Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, a Heisman contender, was left empty-handed. Fans and analysts alike questioned the decision, noting Smith’s dominant season.

The award, presented annually to the best pass-catcher in college football, is open to any player who catches a forward pass, though it has historically favored wide receivers. Tight ends and running backs have been finalists in past years, but the focus has consistently been on elite receivers. Past winners include Randy Moss, Amari Cooper, Ja’Marr Chase, and Marvin Harrison Jr., establishing a lineage of the sport’s most impactful pass-catchers.

This year’s finalists were Makai Lemon (USC), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), and Skyler Bell (UConn). For Smith, it marked the second consecutive year as a finalist without winning the award, despite producing top-tier statistics and consistently facing heavy defensive attention.

Smith finished the season with 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking seventh nationally in receptions. While Lemon and Bell posted comparable numbers—Lemon with 1,156 yards and Bell with 1,278—Smith’s performance stood out due to his role as the focal point of opposing defenses and the context of his production.

1. Smith’s Dominance and Challenges

Jeremiah Smith’s 2025 season demonstrated both consistency and resilience. As the Buckeyes’ primary target, he faced double and sometimes triple coverage in nearly every game, yet still managed to compile impressive stats. His impact on Ohio State’s offense went beyond raw numbers. Smith failed to score in just four games: against Texas, Wisconsin, UCLA, and Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Even in those contests, he produced significant yardage, including eight receptions for 144 yards against Indiana and nine for 97 yards against Wisconsin. Unlike his counterparts, Smith shared the field with other talented receivers, such as Carnell Tate, who posted 48 receptions for 838 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite not always being the sole target, Smith maintained elite production, underscoring his skill and adaptability. While Lemon and Bell had impressive seasons, the award is designed to honor the best overall pass-catcher—not simply the player with the most yards or touchdowns. By that measure, many argued Smith had the edge in 2025, given the level of defensive attention he faced and the context of his contributions.

2. Why Lemon Secured the Award

Makai Lemon’s win can be attributed, in part, to the context of his supporting cast and advanced metrics. While Jeremiah Smith worked with Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin, Lemon’s quarterback, Jayden Maiava, was less decorated, meaning Lemon’s production stood out in a different way. Lemon posted several signature performances, including eight receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown against Michigan State, 151 yards and two scores versus Illinois, and 153 yards with a touchdown against Iowa. His contributions in high-leverage situations, particularly in key games late in the season, likely influenced voters. Advanced analytics also favored Lemon. Pro Football Focus metrics ranked him highly among all receivers, highlighting not just volume but efficiency, route running, and impact per target. These underlying stats reinforced the perception of Lemon as the nation’s most effective wide receiver. While Ohio State fans were understandably frustrated, the situation offers perspective: Ohio State advances to the College Football Playoff, while Lemon and Bell will participate in lower-tier bowl games. Additionally, Smith is just a sophomore, leaving him another opportunity to capture the Biletnikoff in future seasons.

3. Looking Ahead

Jeremiah Smith’s 2025 campaign showcased his elite skills and ability to perform under pressure. Facing constant defensive attention and sharing targets, he still produced at a level that few receivers across the nation can match. With the Buckeyes headed to the College Football Playoff, Smith will have another stage to demonstrate his impact and further solidify his reputation as one of the country’s top pass-catchers. His sophomore status means next year could be the year he finally claims the Biletnikoff Award. Meanwhile, Makai Lemon’s victory reflects the award’s broader criteria, emphasizing advanced metrics, efficiency, and situational performance. Both players leave a lasting impression on the 2025 season, illustrating the depth of talent at the wide receiver position. As the debate continues among fans and analysts, one fact remains clear: Jeremiah Smith’s dominance, perseverance, and impact make him a top contender for future national recognition.