The Ohio State football program is perhaps the biggest program in the country. Every game, they draw massive viewership numbers. The Buckeyes have one of the biggest alumni bases in the country, as well. Fans from all over the state watch the Ohio State Buckeyes every Saturday.
Even when Ohio State plays FCS teams, they have plenty of viewers across the country. Players who play well for the Buckeyes become superstars. When you are the best player in the country at Ohio State, it means something. Jeremiah Smith qualifies for that title heading into next season.
Smith helped the Buckeyes win the national championship in 2024. This past season, Smith was a unanimous All-American. Despite all of these accolades and the power of the Buckeyes behind him, a former Ohio State football player believes he'd be a bigger star at USC.
Bryson Shaw claims Jeremiah Smith would be a bigger star at USC than Ohio State
Former Ohio State safety Bryson Shaw, who transferred to USC, is stumping for the Trojans over the Buckeyes. He had an interaction with the former Buckeye Steele Chambers and guaranteed that Ohio State would lose to USC this season. Now, he claims Smith would be a bigger star if he were a Trojan.
This is the bubble I’m talking about. The failure to see the big picture. There is no point in arguing it anymore. When usc starts going to cfp’s… not if, when… you will see just how big USC is on grand scheme of things. I guarantee it. Let’s wait and see. #fighton #usc https://t.co/L1pNG1NHef
— Bryson Shaw (@bshaw272727) February 4, 2026
Saying that the Trojans would make Smith an even bigger star would make much sense. While LA is a big market, Ohio State isn't just the most popular program in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have fans all over the world. USC hasn't been truly relevant in 20 years. Ohio State simply doesn't have down years.
Smith was just on the cover of the College Football video game. He has proven that he is the best player in the country at the receiver position. His NIL compensation certainly reflects that. Shaw's assertion has no backing to it. Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy a few years ago, and USC still wasn't a national power.
Shaw has randomly decided to go after his former team and fanbase for some reason. It's an odd turn for a player who was pushed out for poor play, but this is the slant he's going with now.