Former Ohio State football player Jaxon Smith-Njigba has one of the greatest single-game performances in the history of the program. In the 2022 Rose Bowl against Utah, he had 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Quite frankly, it was the best game of his career.
That was the peak that Smith-Njigba had in Columbus. During the 2022 season, he only had five catches after he got hurt in the opening game against Notre Dame. The Ohio State Buckeyes made the College Football Playoff that season, and Smith-Njigba decided not to be a part of it.
The fact that the Buckeyes had a chance to win a national championship and he didn't end up playing rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way. Now, he continues to make enemies in Buckeye Nation after a recent interview with Ryan Clark.
Former Ohio State football player Jaxon Smith-Njigba claims LSU produces better receivers than Ohio State
While talking to Clark on The Pivot, who is an LSU grad, Smith-Njigba claimed that LSU actually produces better receivers than the Buckeyes do.
As a proud @LSUfootball Alum I wanted to go straight to the source on who Wide Receiver U was… So I asked @jaxon_smith1 & his answer may surprise you! Unless, you already know!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 24, 2025
I think @GarrettWilson_V , @chrisolave_ & @MarvHarrisonJr might have some beef with their… pic.twitter.com/ibVMRphw85
"Right now, right this second, I would go LSU. This second! You know what I'm saying?"
LSU certainly has a lot of great receivers, and they have produced quite a bit of talent, but this isn't even a conversation. The Buckeyes have produced a first-round pick at that spot in each of the last four drafts, including JSN. For him to say this is ridiculous and just flat-out wrong.
Buckeye fans don't have the same affinity for him that they do for Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., or Garrett Wilson. Comments like this, and the fact that he wasn't there when the Buckeyes needed him the most, are part of the reason why they never will.
Smith-Njigba has a chance to take a massive step in the NFL this season. With the Seahawks looking at him as their primary receiver after trading DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh, he has a chance to really show just how good a receiver he is. He's a great player, and no one disputes that.
Buckeye fans just wish he were wired a little differently. If he wouldn't say things like this, perhaps fans would be more inclined to bring him closer to their hearts. It's likely that he will never be one of the fan favorites. Perhaps that's okay with him. He still should be smarter with what he says.