Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is now the Heisman favorite following historic performance

By Jon Root

Published September 26, 2026

Jeremiah Smith BREAKS Ohio State all-time receiving yards record with reception against Kent State

Ohio State is now wide receiver university. They dish out elite NFL prospects like Capri Sun and orange slices after a youth soccer game. The university has an incredible streak of five consecutive drafts with a first-round wide receiver (2022–2026), featuring standouts like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate. Jeremiah Smith will undoubtedly extend that streak and his historic performance against Illinois on Saturday helped solidify why he's the best wide receiver in the country.

Jeremiah Smith #4 catches a touchdown pass while defended by Juice Clarke #6 during a football game.

Jeremiah Smith of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Juice Clarke of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 26, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (Getty Images)

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During a 42-19 victory over the Fighting Illini, the Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith connection reached historic levels. Smith became only the fifth Buckeye with 4 TDs in a single game, tying the Ohio State single game touchdown record. Smith finished the game with 217 yards receiving, becoming only the second Buckeye receiver with 200+ yards receiving and 4 touchdown receptions in a single game.

Smith is now the Heisman favorite, leapfrogging Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and Miami quarterback Darian Mensah.

Jeremiah Smith celebrates a touchdown with Ian Moore during a college football game at Ohio Stadium.

Jeremiah Smith of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a touchdown with Ian Moore during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 26, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (Getty Images)

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The Buckeyes have now outscored their opponents 101-22 in their two games following their upset loss to Texas. They'll face their biggest test since that loss against the defensively-stout Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Jon is a writer and content creator for OutKick

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https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/ohio-state-jeremiah-smith-heisman-favorite-historic-performance