Key Points:
- Jeremiah Smith’s acrobatic touchdown catch quickly became one of the season’s top highlights.
- The Ohio State standout showcased elite athleticism in the Buckeyes’ convincing win over Penn State.
- His chemistry with quarterback Julian Sayin continues to elevate Ohio State’s explosive offense.
Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 38-14 in Week 10. Advancing to 8-0, Ohio State is on a path to securing a Big Ten title and winning its second straight national championship.
Smith, a true sophomore, has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in college football. He had one of his most productive games of the season against Penn State, hauling in six receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
He also walked away with one of the most impressive touchdown receptions of the year. In the fourth quarter, with Ohio State on the Nittany Lions’ 11-yard line, quarterback Julian Sayin rifled a pass to the wide receiver. The ball was tipped near the line of scrimmage by a Penn State defender, and it shifted far from its original path.
However, Smith made a quick adjustment, slowing down and jumping up to make a one-handed reception and walk it in for a touchdown. It was an impressive show of athleticism and quick thinking to help give the Buckeyes a 38-14 lead.
Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin Forming Elite Connection
This season, Smith has racked up 55 receptions, 725 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s done so with Sayin serving as Ohio State’s full-time starter for the first time this season.
Through these first eight games, the wide receiver and quarterback duo have been among the best in college football. However, even before the season started, the sophomore wide receiver had some real praise for Sayin.
“I’m expecting Julian, you know, just go out there each and every week and put on a show,” Smith said while on “The Triple Option” podcast. “I mean, Julian is a smart player, smart quarterback, can make any and every throw. A student of the game, and I just can’t wait to see the things he do this year.”
Their dominance even has them in line to be considered for college football’s most prestigious award. ESPN Bet gives Sayin the best odds (+175) to win the Heisman Trophy, while Smith is 10th (+4000).
Sayin has been impressive in his own right, throwing for 2,188 yards, 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
After defeating Penn State, the next challenge ahead for the Buckeyes is the Purdue Boilermakers. With only four regular-season games remaining, the only ranked opponent left on their schedule is the No. 21 Michigan Wolverines in Week 14.