Panic alarms went off among the Ohio State football fanbase over the weekend leading up to kickoff, during the action and after the win over UCLA. We knew Carnell Tate was banged up and not playing, but Jeremiah Smith was hurt too?
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He was listed as questionable, played a little bit, but then didn't return to the field. Videos emerged of him walking quite gingerly and with a noticeable limp. While head man Ryan Day has said that he's not concerned about this being a long-term injury, there's simply no reason to risk Smith hurting himself even more this weekend vs. Rutgers. Let him rest and get closer to 100 percent for the game that matters: Michigan on the road.
Jeremiah Smith leaving the field. pic.twitter.com/DeQNroej8E
— Tom Orr (@TomOrr4) November 16, 2025
Jeremiah Smith should not play for Ohio State this weekend vs. Rutgers
Two weeks ago, people were worried sick when Tate didn't play against Purdue, but the Buckeyes cruised to a win against the Boilermakers. Tate also was not in action against the Bruins, given an extra week off to rest.
Should Ohio State take this same route with Smith? Absolutely. Barring a shocker, the Buckeyes are going to have no issues this weekend, as the Scarlet Knights are once again not living up to the hype under the direction of Greg Schiano.
Ohio State will enter kickoff, for now, favored by 31.5 points. The oddsmakers think the home team is barely going to break a sweat in taking down Rutgers. We'd honestly be pretty surprised if the New Jersey squad is even able to keep things close in the first half. Yup, Ohio State should run away with things.
Because of this, Smith should be given the day off for what should prove to be a lopsided victory. Hey, if it was up to us, we'd also let Tate sit one more showdown so that he can get himself mentally and physically ready for the Nov. 29 dance in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines own a four-game winning streak over Ohio State and Day is sick of losing to TTUN. Smith and Tate aren't needed against Rutgers, but for the biggest game of the fall, they no question will. Day can't even think about letting Smith, or Tate, play on Saturday.