Should star Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith sit out the rest of the season after Buckeyes loss?
Follow
Ohio State entered 2026 with high expectations after an unbeaten 2025 regular season, but a 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title and a 24-10 defeat to Miami in the playoff left the Buckeyes scrambling. Quarterback Julian Sayin, who returned for a second year, suffered a broken arm in the win over Indiana and was ruled out for the remainder of the season during the bye week, forcing Ryan Day to start Luke Fahey against USC, a game the team lost 30-18.
The offense, anchored by star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, showed flashes but also costly penalties, and a 14-0 early lead against Oregon turned into a 41-28 collapse after surrendering 38 straight points. Smith’s reaction to the Oregon loss has drawn criticism, and former NFL running back Damien Harris publicly suggested the Buckeyes might move on without him.
With the playoff picture fading, the program faces a pivotal decision about Smith’s future as the season winds down.