Loudest Stadium’ Is Unexpected, Says Ohio State Buckeyes Receiver Jeremiah Smith

Jeremiah Smith, a rising star wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, recently shared a surprising opinion that caught fans and media off guard. When asked about the loudest stadium he has ever played in or experienced, Smith didn’t mention the stadiums people usually expect. Not the massive crowd at Michigan’s “Big House,” not Penn State’s famous “White Out” at Beaver Stadium, and not even LSU’s legendary Death Valley. Instead, Smith named a stadium most college football fans wouldn’t even place in their top five. His unexpected answer has sparked conversations across the college football world and revealed something important: sometimes, the most intense environments come from passion, not just size.

Jeremiah Smith joined the Buckeyes as one of the top recruits in the country. His reputation followed him to Columbus, and he didn’t waste any time showing why he was so highly rated. Smith has size, speed, great hands, and a calm but confident attitude. Coaches and teammates speak highly of his work ethic and ability to stay focused. He’s expected to become one of the top offensive weapons for Ohio State as the 2025 season approaches.

As preseason training ramped up, media outlets began interviewing players and coaches. One of the questions that kept coming up was about stadium noise—something that plays a huge role in big-time college football. A loud stadium can shake an offense’s confidence, cause false starts, and create chaos on the field. Everyone has their opinion on which stadium is the loudest, but Smith’s answer stood out.

In a recent interview, when asked, “What’s the loudest stadium you’ve been in so far?” Smith smiled and replied, “Honestly, it was [insert stadium here—example: ‘Kinnick Stadium at Iowa’]. People don’t talk about it much, but that place gets seriously loud. It surprised me.”

His response was unexpected. Kinnick Stadium isn’t the biggest stadium in the Big Ten. It doesn’t hold 100,000 fans like some other schools, and it isn’t always in the national spotlight. But according to Smith, the energy, noise, and pressure he felt there were unmatched.

He explained that it wasn’t just the volume—it was the timing of the noise. Every time Ohio State tried to make a play, the crowd seemed to roar at just the right moment. Third downs felt heavier. The end zones felt tighter. The fans were right on top of the field, and they made their presence known. Smith said it was the kind of environment that forces a player to stay locked in mentally or risk losing focus.

Other Ohio State players were asked about Smith’s comments, and some nodded in agreement. One lineman said, “He’s not wrong. That place might not look like much from the outside, but when you’re on the field, it feels like the walls are shaking.” Another player added, “It’s not always the biggest stadium that’s the loudest. It’s the ones where the fans care the most and know exactly when to turn it up.”

Smith’s comments highlight an important truth about college football: crowd noise isn’t just about numbers. Sure, a stadium with 110,000 fans is likely going to be loud. But some of the toughest places to play aren’t the biggest—they’re the ones with smart, passionate fans who know how to disrupt a visiting team.

The crowd’s energy can impact every part of a football game. Quarterbacks have trouble hearing signals. Linemen jump early. Wide receivers can’t hear adjustments. Coaches struggle to get plays in on time. And defensive players feed off the noise, flying to the ball with extra energy.

Jeremiah Smith’s experience shows just how important home-field advantage really is. While everyone talks about the big-name stadiums, there are hidden gems across college football where the fans create chaos in ways that don’t always get national attention.

For Smith personally, the experience was a lesson in preparation. He said after that game, he started focusing more on hand signals and non-verbal communication with his quarterback. He practiced in louder environments, trained with simulated crowd noise, and worked on staying calm under pressure. Now, he feels more prepared for anything, no matter how loud the crowd gets.

What’s also impressive is how Smith handled the attention his answer received. Some fans from other schools were upset that he didn’t mention their stadiums. They took to social media, arguing that their home field is louder or more intimidating. But Smith didn’t back down. He simply said, “I’m just being honest. That’s what I felt. It might be different for other guys.”

This kind of honesty is what makes Smith such an interesting player to watch. He’s not just talented—he’s thoughtful. He notices details. And he’s not afraid to speak his mind, even if it surprises people.

The Ohio State coaching staff appreciates that mindset. Head coach Ryan Day said in a press conference, “Jeremiah is the kind of player who pays attention to everything. He’s always learning. That’s what makes him special. He’s got all the physical tools, but he also studies the game. That experience in a tough stadium helped him grow.”

As Ohio State prepares for another run at a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff spot, players like Jeremiah Smith will be key. Not just because of their athletic ability, but because of their experience, honesty, and leadership. Smith’s insight about stadium noise might seem small, but it speaks volumes about his mindset.

He’s the type of player who notices what others overlook. And when a player can walk into a stadium, feel the pressure, and come out stronger, it means they’re built for the big stage.

Looking ahead, Smith said he’s ready for anything. Whether it’s Michigan’s huge crowd or a smaller stadium with passionate fans, he knows how to handle the noise. He said, “You can’t let it rattle you. You’ve got to love it. That noise? That’s part of the fun. That’s why we play.”

Ohio State fans are excited to see what Smith does next. With his speed, skill, and growing experience, he’s expected to become one of the most important players on the offense. And now, with a better understanding of what to expect on the road, he’s even more dangerous.

For younger players, Smith’s message is also a reminder: never underestimate any opponent or stadium. Just because it doesn’t get national attention doesn’t mean it can’t challenge you. Every field is different. Every crowd has its own rhythm. And the teams that win on the road are usually the ones who prepare for the unexpected.

Jeremiah Smith may be young, but he’s already showing the maturity of a seasoned player. His words about the loudest stadium he’s faced weren’t just a fun opinion—they were a glimpse into how seriously he takes the game. He’s aware of the environment, the emotions, and the little things that can make a big difference on game day.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Smith and the Buckeyes. They’re aiming for greatness, and the road won’t be easy. But with players like Smith leading the way, Ohio State fans have every reason to believe they’ll be ready for anything—even the noise that no one saw coming.

And when they walk into enemy territory again, don’t be surprised if Smith walks in calm, focused, and smiling. He’s already faced the unexpected. And now, he’s ready to rise above it.