Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith didn’t mince words when he spoke about true freshman running back Legend Bey.
“Before Legend Bey leaves Ohio State, he will be a Heisman finalist, or he’ll end up winning it,'” Smith told reporters last month. “The things he’s been doing in practice have been pretty special.”
That’s high praise coming from someone many believe to be the best player in the sport, regardless of position. And sure enough, last weekend, fans saw with their own eyes exactly why Smith gave that praise.
Bey is one of a handful of young Buckeyes — and one Longhorn — I’m keeping my eye on this Saturday when No. 1 Ohio State plays No. 4 Texas.
These players can not only climb the depth chart, but will be counted on as the wear and tear of the season inevitably piles up and the oft-used adage “next man up” becomes a reality.
5. Devin Sanchez, CB, Sophomore
Ohio State DB Devin Sanchez recorded 15 tackles as a true freshman. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Sanchez might be the most talented player on the entire Ohio State defense, and with Matt Patricia calling the shots, that translates into a first-round NFL talent at corner for the Buckeyes.
The 6-foot-2, 199-pound cornerback made just one start as a true freshman, but he played in 13 games last season. He really began to shine in the Buckeyes’ win over Illinois, totaling five tackles and deflecting a pass.
Look for Sanchez on the field in third down situations against Texas. He’s likely going to be lined up against wide receivers Ryan Wingo or Cam Coleman, which is truly a best-on-best matchup.
4. Brock Boyd, WR, Freshman
Ohio State wide receiver Brock Boyd recorded a 22-yard catch in his first game as a Buckeye. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Boyd is perhaps the most underrated player on the Buckeyes’ offense. He left Southlake Carroll in Southlake, Texas, as the school’s all-time leading receiver. But he really emerged as a national prospect after lining up against 2027 No. 1 cornerback and Texas Longhorn John Meredith III as a sophomore and putting JM3 on a poster. Meredith has been looking forward to lining up against Boyd in college ever since.
3. John Meredith III, CB, Freshman
Texas cornerback John Meredith III was a five-star recruit in the 2026 class. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Meredith reclassified after the Texas University Interscholastic League declared him ineligible for his senior season, determining that he transferred high schools for athletic purposes. He joined the Longhorns late this summer and saw limited playing time against Texas State. He’s unlikely to have a major impact on Saturday’s game, but he’s worth watching if he checks in. Meredith is a consensus five-star with a gift for closing down wide receivers in coverage and using his 6-foot-2 frame to extend his coverage range.
2. Chris Henry Jr., WR, Freshman
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. had a 15-yard touchdown catch in his first game as a Buckeye. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The son of late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry is the heir apparent to Ohio State’s No. 1 wide receiver position. That means he’s expected to be as productive and feared as former Ohio State receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Smith. At 6-foot-5, he has great speed, an uncanny ability to quickly unfold that frame against tight coverage and exceptional body control.
Against Ball State last week, he dropped his first two targets. But his third target was a touchdown pass.
He’s in good company. Smith dropped his first-ever target, too.
1. Legend Bey, RB, Freshman
Ohio State running back Legend Bey rushed for 37 yards and added two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bey is the next box-office Buckeye. He showed us why when he took a 25-yard swing pass to the end zone in OSU’s Week 1 win. In the process, he juked four Ball State defenders with one move, cut back across the field and broke a tackle for his first touchdown.
That’s the good — a player who believes he can go for six every time he touches the ball. The bad is the same — a player who believes he can go for six every time he touches the ball.
He demonstrated that when he didn’t listen to the up man on a kick return, brought the ball out, was tackled and left the Buckeyes with horrible field position. In one game, he appears to be a feast-or-famine player. But I believe that’s just his immaturity on display. When he grows up and stops making mental mistakes, he has the ability to be the most exciting player in the Big Ten.
