Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s dynamic freshman receiver, is ready to make a statement ahead of the Rose Bowl Game on Wednesday, where the Buckeyes will face off against Oregon in a highly anticipated rematch of their October showdown. The previous encounter, which saw Oregon narrowly edge Ohio State 32-31 in a thrilling contest at Autzen Stadium, is still fresh in the minds of both teams. For Smith, the loss to Oregon is just one chapter in what has been a season of immense growth, and he is determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
“Why are y’all really playing man-on-man against us, or against me, I should say?” Smith quipped during his Monday press conference, signaling that he was ready to exploit any mistakes the Oregon defense might make. His confidence was palpable, and with good reason. In the opening round of the College Football Playoff against Tennessee, Smith showcased his exceptional talent, catching six passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns, dismantling the Volunteers’ man coverage in the process. The performance was a reminder of Smith’s burgeoning ability to be a game-changer on the national stage.
Smith was candid about how far he’s come since Ohio State’s first matchup with Oregon earlier in the season. Despite his impressive 100-yard outing in the October loss, which included a touchdown reception, he knows that he is a vastly different player now. “They’re going to see a completely different player than the last time,” Smith said. “It started with understanding the game plan and knowing what the defense is trying to do.” He also credits his improvement to the advice and guidance from Ohio State’s receivers coach, Brian Hartline. “I’m a whole different player from the first time we played Oregon until now,” he added, emphasizing the maturity and evolution in his game.
Smith’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the Ohio State locker room. The Buckeyes’ loss to Oregon, as well as their heartbreaking defeat to Michigan to end the regular season, still sting. However, these setbacks have fueled a renewed sense of determination, particularly among the team’s young stars. Smith, like his teammates, was not content to let those losses define their season. “We were ready to get that bad taste out of our mouth, let it all loose and dominate Tennessee,” he explained, drawing parallels between the Tennessee game and the upcoming showdown with Oregon. The Buckeyes had a fire in their bellies, and it was on full display in their dominant 42-17 victory over the Volunteers.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard also recognized the intensity and emotion that helped fuel the Buckeyes’ performance against Tennessee. “And you could see it,” Howard said of the team’s anger and chip on their shoulder. “I think when we play like that, we’re hard to beat, and we have to keep that same mentality. I think that’s really what the difference was, that anger, [being] pissed off, that chip on our shoulder we played with, and that’s going to be crucial in this game.” Howard’s words encapsulate the mindset that has taken hold of the team as they prepare for Oregon. The Buckeyes are out to prove that they can bounce back from adversity and that their previous losses will only make them stronger moving forward.
At the heart of Ohio State’s offensive resurgence is Smith, who has emerged as one of the most lethal weapons in college football. Smith leads the team with 1,037 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches, making him one of the most dynamic and explosive playmakers in the country. His rapid development into one of the top receivers in the nation has been nothing short of remarkable. “He’s just different. He’s a dog,” said senior cornerback Denzel Burke. “You see all those same qualities. He’s calm. His work ethic is crazy, and he performs on game day.” Burke, who has faced some of the best receivers in the country during his time at Ohio State, has seen firsthand just how special Smith is. He also pointed out that Smith has already shown qualities that make him look like one of the greats, even at such a young age.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who has coached some of the most talented receivers in the game, echoed Burke’s sentiments. “Not with that combination of size and speed and ability to catch and ability to track the ball,” Kelly said of Smith’s unique skill set. “There have been some other guys smaller that can do it and guys who were the same size, but they didn’t run and move like him.” Kelly’s praise speaks volumes, especially coming from someone who has been around elite athletes at both the collegiate and NFL levels. For Kelly, it’s not just Smith’s physical attributes that stand out; it’s his approach and mindset that make him truly special. “We have to pull him back sometimes in practice,” Kelly added, noting that Smith is constantly pushing himself to improve and rarely takes a play off.
For Smith, the leadership of Ohio State’s senior players has been instrumental in guiding the team through their tough moments. The loss to Michigan, in particular, stung deeply, as the Buckeyes had been heavily favored to win. With the rivalry now marked by four consecutive defeats to the Wolverines, the sense of urgency within the Ohio State program is palpable. But Smith is confident in his team’s resilience. “Nobody wants to lose to [Michigan]. Everybody knows that, and I know the fans hate it. It’s been going on for the last couple of years, and I know they’re tired of it,” Smith said, acknowledging the frustration felt by the fanbase. However, he quickly shifted to a positive outlook, emphasizing the leadership of Ohio State’s veterans in helping the team stay focused and ready for the challenges ahead. “We were going to be ready for whoever we played first [in the playoff], and I can promise you we’ll be ready for this game and everybody else who comes next.”
As Ohio State prepares for their rematch with Oregon, all eyes will be on Smith, who has the potential to be the difference-maker in the Buckeyes’ pursuit of a national title. The last time these two teams met, Smith’s ability was on full display, but this time, he feels ready to take his game to another level. Oregon’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain the explosive freshman receiver, especially if they choose to play man-to-man coverage, a strategy that Smith is more than willing to exploit.
The Rose Bowl will be more than just a game for Ohio State; it’s a chance to avenge earlier defeats and prove that they are a team that can rise to the occasion when it matters most. With Smith leading the charge, the Buckeyes are primed for a showdown with Oregon that promises to be one of the most exciting games of the College Football Playoff. The pressure is on, but Smith and his teammates are confident that they are ready to make their mark on the national stage. The next chapter of Ohio State’s journey begins now, and Smith is determined to ensure that it ends with a championship.
