The Ohio State football team had a blowout victory over UCLA, 48-10, on Saturday night. In that game, Carnell Tate did not play. There was concern whether or not he was going to play before the game started, and Ryan Day decided to hold him out of the game.
Jeremiah Smith played in the first half of this game, catching four passes for 40 yards. He also had a spectacular one-handed snag. He was questionable coming into the game, but still suited up. ON the way to the locker room at halftime, Smith was seen limping off the field.
Smith did not play in the second half. The Ohio State Buckeyes certainly didn't need him to play the second half, but it was still concerning to see him walk off like that. After the game, Ryan Day was asked about both Tate and Smith and gave positive updates on both receivers.
Ryan Day isn't worried about Ohio State missing Jeremiah Smith or Carnell Tate
Day said Smith could have come back in, but they wanted to get other players reps at receiver with such a big second-half lead.
Ryan Day said Ohio State held Carnell Tate out of the game and Jeremiah Smith to a limited number of snaps so that both receivers can be at 100% in the final two weeks.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) November 16, 2025
Day's top priority is to have both of his top receivers ready to go for the next two weeks, especially the final game against Michigan. Ohio State needs to be at full capacity for that game, as well as the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
Tate seemed to put out a calming message on social media before the game for Buckeye fans who were freaking out about the fact that he was missing games. Smith was limping a little bit before the game, but wanted to play anyway. Day likely had to keep him from going back out on the field as a precaution.
Day doesn't seem concerned about the long-term availability for either player. That should give fans of the Buckeyes some calmness. Even if neither of them plays against Rutgers, both should be ready to go against TTUN.