As this season concludes, the records of the Ohio State and Big Ten will reflect what Buckeye supporters and football analysts have acknowledged since Jeremiah Smith first stepped onto the field as a freshman: He truly is a once-in-a-generation athlete.
This is not a term I use lightly, but Smith has exemplified it throughout his time as a Buckeye, earning comparisons to icons like Larry Fitzgerald and DeVonta Smith, with some even suggesting he is the greatest college wide receiver of all time.
Smith currently holds the title of Heisman frontrunner, though his chances might be affected by how the Buckeyes perform without their starting quarterback, Julian Sayin. On one hand, he needs someone to deliver the ball for him to accumulate impressive statistics. On the other hand, his influence becomes even more vital for this team with Sayin out.
As the Buckeyes prepare this weekend before heading to Los Angeles to compete against No. 16 USC on Halloween, we will revisit some of Smith’s record-equaling and record-setting feats from this season.
Sept. 26 against Illinois: Smith matches the Ohio State record for most receiving touchdowns in a single game
In a landmark performance against Illinois on Sept. 26, Smith’s four-touchdown game matched the Ohio State record for the most receiving touchdowns in a single contest, becoming the fifth individual in the school’s history to reach this milestone and the first since Noah Brown accomplished it against Oklahoma in 2016.
In the matchup against the Illini, Smith reached the end zone on the Buckeyes’ first two drives, achieving career-best receptions and yardage, totaling 12 catches for 217 yards. It was the first occasion in program history where a player recorded double-digit receptions, four touchdowns, and a minimum of 200 yards within a single game.
All four of his touchdowns showcased his talent: The initial one set the game’s tone, putting the Buckeyes ahead, 7-0. The second was a spectacular 72-yard reception, his longest for the day.
The third showcased why Smith garners such acclaim: On a challenging catch, he managed to tap his toe in bounds with incredible agility before stepping out. Most players wouldn’t have been able to get their foot down.
And the fourth? Well, it established a record.
Oct. 17 against Indiana: Smith ties the Big Ten record for all-time receiving touchdowns
With Sayin out for an indefinite period and both players likely aiming for the NFL next year, there’s a scenario where Smith’s fourth-quarter touchdown against Indiana on Oct. 17 could mark the final connection between Sayin and Smith in the end zone as Buckeyes, although I sincerely hope that’s not the case. However, if it is, what a spectacular way to conclude.
On a 4th-and-1 from the Indiana 38-yard line, Sayin connected with Smith in the end zone, putting the Buckeyes ahead, 19-7 against the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers. This touchdown represented Smith’s 39th career TD, equaling Michigan’s Braylon Edwards for the Big Ten record.
With five games remaining in the season, it appears likely that Smith will finish atop the conference by the end of the season.
Sept. 19 against Kent State: Smith breaks the Ohio State career receiving yards record
Before the Kent State game, Smith needed only 26 yards to surpass Michael Jenkins’ school record for career receiving yards (Jenkins accumulated 2,898 career receiving yards). It took Smith just two receptions to achieve this milestone.
On a 23-yard catch, Smith moved Jenkins to the No. 2 position. He then added 59 more yards during the game. Currently, Smith has accumulated 3,542 career receiving yards and counting. Whether anyone will surpass his record remains uncertain, but it seems likely that he will retain that top position for many years ahead.
Oct. 3 against Iowa: Smith claims the records for career receiving touchdowns and career receptions at Ohio State
In a game that showed inconsistencies at times, Smith remained consistently outstanding. By the end of the contest, Smith had achieved 206 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions.
The statistics granted him the undisputed titles for two additional records: Most career receptions with 207 (surpassing Emeka Egbuka’s 205) and most career receiving touchdowns with 36 (overtaking Chris Olave’s 35).
This game marked Smith’s second consecutive game with over 200 yards. In the following weeks, he has now reached 215 career receptions and those 39 previously mentioned touchdowns. Smith also matched Marvin Harrison Jr.’s school record for the most games with 100+ yards, with 15 games.
If he manages to achieve this feat once more this season, he will hold that record exclusively as well.
