When Ohio State first started their spring football practice on March 10, one freshman immediately separated himself. But what less can you expect from a former No. 1 CB? Now, fast forward to March 27, another clip surfaced showing how Ryan Day made a great investment in Devin Sanchez, who’s now giving Jeremiah Smith a hard time. So what happens when the best faces the best?
Latest clips from Ohio State’s Friday practice showed a heated duel between Jeremiah Smith and Devin Sanchez. The 6’2, 198-pound CB went straight at the 2025 Biletnikoff Award finalist forcing a fumble that left the WR visibly frustrated. But Smith’s frustration is music to the ears of Buckeye fans as the expectation now is that the former top-5 player will be a real threat to opponents.
There’s good reason to believe in Devin Sanchez. He was a 5-star, No. 1 CB in the country a year ago. He signed with Ohio State in December, enrolled early in January 2025, and was already turning heads this spring. His dominant play against Jeremiah Smith, who’s also a top WR, paints a promising picture for the 2026 season.
Jeremiah Smith is Ohio State’s topdog in receiving. After a breakout freshman season, he followed up in 2025 with 1,200+ receiving yards on 71+ receptions, topping the FBS WRs. And to see Devin Sanchez tackling their receiving leader with a favorable result, it just makes you anticipate what he could do as a freshman. But the frustration aside, Smith always knew Sanchez was special.
Devin Sanchez was the #1 cornerback a year ago and he’s been showing why against Jeremiah Smith
The former top five player is poised to have a huge season for the Buckeyes this year.
Will Sanchez be next up in a long line of elite Ohio State DBs?
: @SouthFLExpress pic.twitter.com/bBAqquU3af
— Recruits CFB (@recruits_cfb) March 27, 2026
Last April, Jeremiah Smith described Devin Sanchez as a “physical,” “big, long corner who can run.”
“He got it all,” he said then. “I can’t wait to see the things he do this year.”
Well, he did see what he could do against him. That forced fumble wasn’t luck. Just go back to his high school at North Shore and you’ll understand. As a junior, he recorded 57 tackles, 29 pass breakups, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He even clocked a 10.8 in the 100 meters. It also helps that athleticism runs in his bloodline. His mother, Deetra, was a collegiate sprinter at UTEP. His father, Daniel, played football and still coaches the game.
Devin Sanchez’s timely arrival favors Ohio State who lost elite names in the secondary like Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun. Now the question isn’t whether he’ll start in 2026 but whether he can have a breakout season as a freshman. The CB already has an inspiration and it’s Jeremiah Smith.
“What [Smith] did last year as a true freshman, being able to impact the team like that, obviously I want that for myself,” Sanchez said. “I’m going to push myself to the limit and try to be on the field year one. That’s the biggest reason I came here.”
So now, you know what to expect. But Ohio State’s offseason haul didn’t just stop at one projected playmaker.
Jeremiah Smith is excited for Legend Bey
Don’t be surprised if freshmen take over Ohio State’s narrative in 2026. While Devin Sanchez has locked himself as a nightmare for WRs, another name is RB Legend Bey. The 5’10, 177-pound Texas native arrived as a 4-star prospect in the 2026 class. He originally committed to Tennessee before flipping to the Buckeyes. And just like his defensive batchmate, he’s having an impactful spring.
Former Buckeye Mekka Don didn’t hold back, calling Legend Bey a future “household name.” Jeremiah Smith saw that and responded with one word, “Facts.” That endorsement carries weight because if anyone knows what early impact looks like better than anyone in that room, it’s Smith.
Ryan Day has already hinted at how Ohio State plans to use Legend Bey both at receiver and running back. But he also added the reality check saying, “He’s got a lot to learn.”
“It doesn’t feel like you’re dealing with a college player,” he said of Smith. “He’s like a veteran to me.”
Now, Devin Sanchez isn’t backing down from trying to attempt Jeremiah Smith’s freshman success. The forced fumble was just the introduction and that’s what excites fans about Ohio State’s 2026 season.
