Nashville, TN — In a move that could send shockwaves across the NFL’s draft landscape, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan is reportedly in major discussions with Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, one of college football’s most electrifying young talents. While the 2025 NFL Draft is still months away, the Titans are making it clear: they have their eyes locked on the next generational wideout.
Sources close to the Titans organization have confirmed that Callahan and Smith have engaged in “lengthy, strategic conversations” centered around Smith’s potential fit in Tennessee’s evolving offensive scheme. While formal recruiting outside draft eligibility windows is strictly regulated, these early exploratory talks are permitted when framed within scouting and advisory contexts—especially when college players are projected to be top-tier picks.
Who Is Jeremiah Smith?
Jeremiah Smith is not just another standout in a long line of Ohio State receivers—he’s a potential WR1 cornerstone who has NFL scouts salivating. A 6-foot-3, 215-pound phenom with elite speed, Smith has been turning heads since his high school days in Florida, where he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation. Since arriving at Ohio State, he’s already shown flashes of brilliance that mirror the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chris Olave.
Despite only entering his sophomore season, Smith has already made a reputation for precise route running, explosive burst after the catch, and a vertical threat that can stretch any defense. Analysts are already penciling him in as a top-3 pick in 2025.
Titans’ Wide Receiver Crisis
The Titans’ interest in Smith is hardly surprising. Over the past few seasons, Tennessee has struggled to find a true No. 1 receiver. While veteran DeAndre Hopkins brought leadership and flashes of his All-Pro self, the team has lacked a long-term solution—especially as it transitions to a younger offensive core built around quarterback Will Levis.
With offensive guru Brian Callahan now steering the ship, Tennessee is shifting to a more aggressive, modernized aerial attack. Callahan, who played a pivotal role in developing Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati, reportedly sees Jeremiah Smith as the Chase-like weapon Levis needs to take the next step.
“If you’re building something long-term, you want guys who are explosive, versatile, and mature beyond their years,” said one AFC scout. “Smith checks every box, and the Titans know it.”
Inside the “Major Talks”
While the full details of the discussions remain under wraps, league insiders say the conversations between Callahan and Smith have gone beyond just casual scouting. The Titans are believed to be mapping out multiple trade scenarios that could allow them to move up in the 2025 NFL Draft, ensuring they are in position to select Smith, even if he lands in the top 3 picks.
One insider mentioned that Titans GM Ran Carthon has already opened preliminary trade channels with teams projected to finish with early draft picks. Tennessee, expected to hover around a middle-of-the-pack finish this season, may need to package high-value assets—possibly including a future first-rounder or young defensive talent—to make the leap.
A Partnership in the Making?
For his part, Smith has expressed admiration for Callahan’s offensive vision. During an informal media session in Columbus, he acknowledged watching tape of how the Titans are reshaping their scheme:
“Coach Callahan’s system—what he’s building down there—it’s something a wide receiver dreams of. Spacing, tempo, movement… they let guys go make plays.”
While far from a commitment, it’s clear that the mutual respect is real—and growing.
What This Could Mean for the Titans
If successful, acquiring Jeremiah Smith would mark a seismic shift in the Titans’ identity. It would send a strong signal to fans and the rest of the league that Tennessee isn’t just rebuilding—they’re aiming to contend, and sooner than expected.
With Levis entering a crucial second year, pairing him with a young, dominant receiver could unlock the type of QB-WR synergy seen in Buffalo (Allen-Diggs), Miami (Tagovailoa-Hill), and Cincinnati (Burrow-Chase). For a franchise long built on defense and run-first football, it may finally be time to let the fireworks fly.
The Bottom Line:
Tennessee’s pursuit of Jeremiah Smith is no ordinary scouting interest—it’s a potential franchise-defining play. If the Titans can land the Ohio State star, it might just be the moment that shifts their trajectory from hopeful to dangerous.
Stay tuned. The draft board is still months away—but in Tennessee, the future is already being written.
