Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith had the exact kind of outing against Illinois in Week 4 that'd fuel his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy.
During the 42-19 win over the Illini at the "Shoe," Smith had 12 catches, four of them for four touchdowns, and 217 receiving yards. Smith played like an obvious can't-miss NFL superstar, crossing up defenders on routes, in the air on 50/50 balls, and after the catch.
Smith badly burned Illinois defensive back Mac Resetich on his second touchdown catch of the day, turning the free safety around twice after the catch. On his third touchdown reception, he somehow caught a pass on a fade in the corner of the end zone, tapped his left foot in, and pinned the ball with one arm, all with cornerback Juice Clarke draped all over him.
Smith is now the fastest player to reach 3,000+ receiving yards and 30+ touchdowns since the 2008 season.
Then-Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree was the last player to do that. He was a Heisman finalist that year.
Smith is sure to be one too, at a minimum.
Is Jeremiah Smith now the Heisman favorite through Week 4?
Depending on where you get your odds, Smith is now the frontrunner for the Heisman.
Smith could be the first full-time receiver to win the award since DeVonta Smith in 2020. Travis Hunter won in 2024 largely because he was also a corner, in addition to being a receiver for Deion Sanders' Colorado program.
Smith is clearly the best receiver in the game, but also clearly the best overall offensive skill-position player. Arthur Smith has been able to successfully game-plan the offense around his all-world receiver.
With continued chemistry with quarterback Julian Sayin, JJ Smith is playing his best football of what has already been a legendary career.
Jeremiah Smith is a Heisman candidate because of his carry job
Can another legitimate Buckeyes receiving weapon please stand up?
Smith is more valuable because of his teammates' struggles. Devin McCuin had four catches but averaged under nine yards per reception. McCuin was the only other receiver with multiple catches.
Smith's shining is great on the individual level, but you hope his potential Heisman win isn't the only highlight of OSU's season. The Buckeyes have legitimate title hopes, but only if the receiving corps gets it together.
With as much talent as the team has, Ohio State cannot afford to be a one-man show.
The running back room is deep, but we're still not seeing a dominant run game in Smith's offense. The right side of the offensive line is just not quite getting it together. Sayin's not always going to get the chance to sit back and toss darts as he did against a muted Illini pass rush.
Smith's success is a great story, but it can't overshadow the rest of the offense's lack of production. Someday, this team is going to need to compensate against a defense whose focus is entirely on Smith.
Hopefully, Ryan Day's team is capable of that.
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