Jeremiah Smith Breaks Two Ohio State Records in Same Game, Makes Heisman Case By Calling Himself “Best in Country”

Jeremiah Smith is the Buckeyes' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.

Jeremiah Smith Breaks Two Ohio State Records in Same Game, Makes Heisman Case By Calling Himself “Best in Country”

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith strikes the Heisman Trophy pose (Image via Sports Illustrated/X)

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a new leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. His name is Jeremiah Smith.

In the third quarter of Saturday’s Big 10 rivalry game against #14 Iowa, Smith scored his 9th touchdown of the campaign. He surpassed Chris Olave and now has 36 career touchdowns.

Moreover, Smith finished with 11 receptions (second consecutive double-digit receptions game). It was enough to become Ohio State’s receptions leader (207). With that, the 20-year-old overtook Emeka Egbuka (205).

Smith also owns the receiving yards record. Earlier in the year, he surpassed the previous best, Michael Jenkins, with 2898 yards. Smith has 3381 yards in 34 games.

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Jeremiah Smith sends message to Heisman voters

Smith is arguably the best receiver in college football. HOF Michael Irvin may lean on Miami’s Malachi Toney, but stats and the tape confirm Smith has NFL-level talent.

Jeremiah Smith Breaks Two Ohio State Records in Same Game, Makes Heisman Case By Calling Himself "Best in Country"
Jeremiah Smith (Image via Sports Illustrated)

Smith has already won a CFP final in his freshman year, and his eyes are firmly set on winning the Heisman Trophy—college football’s best player award. After scoring his first touchdown against Iowa in the second quarter, Smith mimicked the Heisman Trophy silhouette to send a message to the voters.

When reporters asked Smith to elaborate on his celebration, the junior wideout made it clear that he wants to be among the Heisman finalists in New York when the season ends.

The last wide receiver to win the best player award was Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020. Through the first five games, Smitty had 45 receptions for 556 yards (12.6 yards per catch) and 5 touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith has 44 receptions for 823 yards (18.7 yards per catch) and 9 touchdowns. DeVonta finished the year with 117 catches for 1856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Smith is on pace to cross 2000 yards.

Only three other receivers have won the coveted trophy: Johnny Rodgers (Nebraska, 1972), Tim Brown (Notre Dame, 1987) and Desmond Howard (Michigan, 1991). According to Yahoo Sports, Jeremiah Smith is a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah boasts the second-best odds.

Ohio State ends the Iowa dominance

The Hawkeyes started their season with a four-game winning streak. It included a win over Michigan in Week 4. So they had a rare opportunity to defeat the Wolverines and the Buckeyes in back-to-back weeks.

The Buckeyes have dominated the fixture. They had 48 games prior to Saturday and suffered just 15 defeats, with three games ending in a tie. But winning at Kinnick Stadium is easier said than done for a visiting team.

Still, the Buckeyes took the lead just two minutes after kickoff and held it until the end. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 20 completions, 324 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Smith caught 11 passes for 206 yards and scored two touchdowns. Devin McCuin caught 4 passes for 80 yards and scored 1 touchdown. Running back Ja’Kobi Jackson rushed 17 times for 72 yards and scored one touchdown.

In reply, Iowa only mustered 14 points. Ohio State won 31-14. Both teams are 4-1. Next week, Ohio State faces Maryland while Iowa travels to Washington.

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