Jeremiah Smith, a five-star wide receiver prospect for the 2024 college football class, became an overnight viral sensation with a single word posted on social media following Ohio State’s crushing loss to Oregon in the 2024 Rose Bowl.
His post—simply the word “sick”—captured the emotions of many Ohio State fans and football observers who were left stunned after the Buckeyes’ heartbreaking 31-28 defeat.
Smith’s viral post, which he shared on Twitter moments after the game, quickly garnered attention not just from Ohio State faithful but also from across the college football world.
In just a few characters, the Ohio native encapsulated the collective frustration, disbelief, and dismay that had overtaken the Buckeye Nation in the wake of the Rose Bowl loss.
While the post may have seemed simple on the surface, it spoke volumes about the passion and expectations that come with being a part of the Ohio State football program.
The loss to Oregon was a significant blow to Ohio State’s season, as they had entered the Rose Bowl as the favorites. The Buckeyes, despite a strong start to the game, were unable to fend off a resilient Oregon team that executed a nearly flawless second half.
For Ohio State fans, the defeat was compounded by the fact that the game had been highly anticipated, and they had hoped to see their team end the season with a victory, particularly after falling short of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Smith’s “sick” post resonated with the frustration of fans who had been hoping for a different outcome.
The word—often used in slang to describe something that is disappointing or frustrating—was particularly fitting given the context. In the world of recruiting, where fans hang on every word and action of their prized prospects, Smith’s choice to weigh in with such a candid, emotional response to the game was seen as a reflection of his genuine connection to the program and its fanbase.
The viral reaction to Smith’s tweet didn’t stop there. Media outlets, fan forums, and social media users began to dissect his post, interpreting it as a statement of empathy for Ohio State fans, as well as a moment of vulnerability.
Many speculated that Smith’s reaction also signified a deeper sense of loyalty to Ohio State, as his decision to commit to the Buckeyes earlier in his recruitment had been influenced by the close connection he felt to the program and its culture.
His decision to share his feelings so publicly allowed fans to see that, despite being an outsider to the team’s locker room, Smith was deeply in tune with the emotions that come with being part of the Ohio State football family.
The post also sparked discussions about the evolving role of social media in the recruiting process. Jeremiah Smith’s brief yet impactful tweet demonstrated how recruits are now using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with fans, show personality, and express emotions.
In many ways, social media has become an extension of the recruiting process, allowing fans to connect with prospects in a more personal way than ever before. Smith’s viral post is a testament to this dynamic and underscores the power of social media to shape public perception and foster connections.
Ultimately, while the Rose Bowl loss was a difficult moment for Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith’s viral “sick” post was a reminder of how the emotional landscape of college football extends far beyond the field.
It illustrated how moments of disappointment can resonate deeply with fans and players alike, and how social media gives voice to those emotions, creating moments of connection that transcend the game itself.