Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is preparing for the upcoming college football season with a clear goal. After a standout freshman year, during which he broke Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Cris Carter’s records in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, Smith has focused his attention on defeating Michigan.
As a freshman, Smith recorded 76 receptions, 1,315 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Big Ten’s freshman and receiver of the year honors as well as Freshman All-American recognition. Despite these accomplishments and helping head coach Ryan Day guide Ohio State to a national championship, the team’s regular-season loss to Michigan remains a point of contention.
Michigan has now secured four consecutive victories over Ohio State. The most recent matchup ended in a narrow 13-10 defeat for the Buckeyes. This result came despite high expectations based on Ohio State’s roster strength compared to Michigan’s.
Smith holds an NIL valuation of $4.2 million as he enters his sophomore season. He continues to have significant goals for himself and his team that include both individual honors and another national title run.
The receiver has promised to end Ohio State’s losing streak against its rival: “Hate ’em,” Smith said during an appearance on “The Triple Option” with former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer. “With everything in me, I hate ’em.” (…) “I’m not a sore loser, but I hate losing, and losing to that team up north was pretty crazy,” Smith said. “In the end, I think it really helped us play the way we did in the playoffs. But I didn’t want to go to Ohio State and lose to That Team Up North. I just hate them. Just something about them. For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them. I can’t lose to them in the next two years.” (Full quotation attributed to Jeremiah Smith.)
Against Michigan last year, Smith was limited to five catches for 35 yards and one touchdown.
The next game between Ohio State and Michigan is set for Nov. 29 at Michigan Stadium. Betting lines currently favor Ohio State by 5.5 points over Michigan after their respective performances last season.
Before focusing on that rivalry game later in November, Smith and his teammates face No. 1 Texas on Aug. 30.
