Home · Sports · Oct 3 archive

Smith Sets Ohio State Records, Scores Big Against Iowa

9:14 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: Smith's 11 receptions for 206 yards marked his second consecutive 200-yard game, a feat only matched by Indiana's Ty Fryfogle in Big Ten history.

Smith became the all-time leader in Ohio State history for career touchdowns with his 36th touchdown reception, surpassing Chris Olave and David Boston.

He also broke Emeka Egbuka's record for career receptions, reaching 206 catches in the game.

Smith's performance included a 57-yard touchdown reception where he celebrated with a Heisman Trophy pose, acknowledging his growing Heisman Trophy candidacy.

Smith's 11 receptions for 206 yards marked his second consecutive 200-yard game, a feat only matched by Indiana's Ty Fryfogle in Big Ten history.

Smith's dominance this season has earned him comparisons to NFL star Julio Jones, with former Alabama coach Nick Saban calling him one of the most dominant players in college football.

Smith's breakout performance against Illinois, where he recorded 10 receptions, 200 yards, and four touchdowns, solidified his place in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

Despite his impressive numbers, ESPN analyst Lewis Riddick questioned Smith's reliance on his quarterback and offensive setup, suggesting that Ohio State's quarterback position needs to gel for Smith to maintain his Heisman chances.

Smith's freshman season numbers and playoff performances have garnered strong support from ESPN's Heather Dinich, who believes he is a strong Heisman candidate.

Smith's achievements this season have put him on the brink of breaking additional records as the Buckeyes continue their season.

Smith's performance against Iowa was a testament to his consistency, as he has recorded at least eight receptions in three of Ohio State's first four games this season.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• Smith became the all-time leader in Ohio State history for career touchdowns with his 36th touchdown reception, surpassing Chris Olave and David Boston.
• He also broke Emeka Egbuka's record for career receptions, reaching 206 catches in the game.
• Smith's performance included a 57-yard touchdown reception where he celebrated with a Heisman Trophy pose, acknowledging his growing Heisman Trophy candidacy.
• Smith's 11 receptions for 206 yards marked his second consecutive 200-yard game, a feat only matched by Indiana's Ty Fryfogle in Big Ten history.
• Smith's dominance this season has earned him comparisons to NFL star Julio Jones, with former Alabama coach Nick Saban calling him one of the most dominant players in college football.
• Smith's breakout performance against Illinois, where he recorded 10 receptions, 200 yards, and four touchdowns, solidified his place in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
• Despite his impressive numbers, ESPN analyst Lewis Riddick questioned Smith's reliance on his quarterback and offensive setup, suggesting that Ohio State's quarterback position needs to gel for Smith to maintain his Heisman chances.
• Smith's freshman season numbers and playoff performances have garnered strong support from ESPN's Heather Dinich, who believes he is a strong Heisman candidate.
• Smith's achievements this season have put him on the brink of breaking additional records as the Buckeyes continue their season.
• Smith's performance against Iowa was a testament to his consistency, as he has recorded at least eight receptions in three of Ohio State's first four games this season.

What's still developing

• Smith is playing in his 34th game, only halfway through his third season of eligibility.
• Here's a look at where Smith ranks among several Ohio State wide receiver records, along with some Big Ten ones, heading into Saturday's game against Iowa: Heading into Week 5, Smith was nine receptions away from tying Emeka Egbuka for Ohio State's all-time career receptions record, and 10 more catches away from claiming the record outright.
• "I thought Julio Jones was kind of one of a kind. … This guy reminds me of him in a lot of ways."
• Smith struck a Heisman pose toward the Iowa fans in Kinnick Stadium's north end zone after the catch.
• Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith found himself in a three-way Heisman Trophy debate among ESPN analysts.
• MORE: Despite Already Dominating, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Admits One Bad Habit Needed Expert Fix “Jeremiah is really going to be dependent upon how the quarterback position really gels and kind of comes together for Ohio State and how Brian Hartline really does coordinate the whole thing now taking over and calling plays,” Riddick explained.
• During a recent segment, the analysts presented different predictions, with one analyst backing LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier over the record-breaking freshman who helped Ohio State win the national championship last season.
• During a recent “ ESPN College Football” segment, three analysts made drastically different predictions for the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.
• However, Lewis Riddick went against Smith by picking LSU quarterback Nussmeier as his choice instead.
• Riddick raised concerns about Ohio State’s offensive setup and pointed out throughout the analysis that Smith needed to rely on teammates for his success.

Sources

• CBS Sportslink
• Central Oregon Dailylink
• Espnlink
• Pro Football Networklink
• Sportsnautlink
• Foxsportslink
• Warpbeatlink
• Sbnationlink
• Starbeaconlink
• Bozemandailychroniclelink
• Elevenwarriorslink
• Newsweeklink
• Bleacherreportlink
• Ipmnewsroomlink
• WarpBeat — background on Smith Nears Big Ten Receiving Record at Ohio State link
• WarpBeat — background on Chargers' Smith Snags Two Interceptions Against Bills' Allen link
• Big Ten Football — video link