Thus far, Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a Heisman candidate this season, judging by the eye test. His stats haven't borne that out yet, though, in Power 4 wins against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Washington Huskies, and Texas Longhorns.
Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik feels that will change soon. Krajisnik ranked Smith No. 2 on his Heisman rankings and predicted a Heisman moment within the next month and a half against the Illinois Fighting Illini, Penn State Nittany Lions, and/or TTUN.
"Non-quarterbacks often need eye-popping statistics and stardom to make it to New York. Jeremiah Smith has both," Krajisnik wrote.
"The cover star of EA Sports’ College Football 26 ranks 15th nationally with 463 receiving yards, while his six touchdowns are one shy of the national lead.
"His fame rose as he dominated down the stretch of his freshman season, and his numbers have improved this season. While he hasn’t had a truly dominant showing yet this season, he still has the fourth-best odds to win the Heisman, according to DraftKings.
"That’s because his best moments might be on the horizon. Ohio State faces No. 17 Illinois on Saturday then battles Penn State and No. 15 Michigan next month."
Smith had Heisman hype leading into the 2025 season. More than Julian Sayin has had, even now, despite the quarterback's nation-leading completion percentage (80.2%), 13 touchdown passes, and 1,313 passing yards. OSU legend Troy Smith believes Sayin is being robbed of Heisman consideration, though, particularly because if he were in Arch Manning's shoes, he'd probably be a contender.
"Gotta talk about straight facts. If the kid at Texas would’ve had the start that (Sayin) is having here for our (Ohio State Buckeyes), he’d be 1st in Heisman votes, Davey O'Brien talks, and any other major Awards at the end of the season, put some respect on what he’s doin..," Smith tweeted.
Regardless, cashing in on a major performance on the FOX Big Noon Kickoff against any of the aforementioned teams, especially TTUN, will help Smith earn some hardware during his December trip to Jazz at Lincoln Center's Appel Room in New York City.