These two freshmen may be the best receivers in college football

Put old heads aside, the new age of college football has arrived.

Both the Ohio State Buckeyes and Alabama Crimson Tide have seen a number of highly touted wide receivers emerge from each program, but true freshmen Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams have achieved historic success this season.

They could be the top two receivers in the country.

While it used to take some time in college for young receivers to get to know the field, both Smith and Williams have hit the ground running and are currently leading their respective programs in receiving yards over five weeks. The duo combined for 826 yards and 10 touchdowns, which is impressive considering both Ohio State and Alabama are among the top three programs in the country.

Smith compiled a number of highlights from the Buckeyes’ Week 5 matchup against Michigan State. The former five-star wideout made several one-handed catches in three plays, one of which resulted in a touchdown.

Despite sharing the field with two NFL-caliber pass catchers in Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, Smith has posted 364 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The program record for most receiving yards by a true freshman is 648, set by Hall of Fame wideout Cris Carter. Smith is on pace to break that record for the Buckeyes.

Williams, on the other hand, remains the focal point of the Crimson Tide’s passing game. The Alabama native had 462 receiving yards and five touchdowns in Alabama’s 4-0 run at the age of 17.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer was able to upset the Georgia Bulldogs at home thanks to Williams’ six catches for 177 yards through the air. Quarterback Jalen Milroe was able to find Williams late in the fourth quarter, resulting in a game-winning 75-yard touchdown.

Both Smith and Williams still have a ways to go to secure the top spot in receiving yards this season, as Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris currently leads the FCS with 804 yards. But the future looks extremely bright for the young talents.