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Smith Struggles Against Indiana in Big Ten Clash
Confirmed
In Short: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State's star wide receiver, had a subpar performance against Indiana, recording only three receptions for 34 yards in a 13-10 loss.
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State's standout wide receiver, had a disappointing performance against Indiana in a crucial Big Ten matchup. Smith only managed three receptions for 34 yards, a stark contrast to his usual high output.
The game saw Indiana secure its first win against Ohio State since 1988, ending a long-standing drought. The Hoosiers, ranked 5th nationally, have won 22 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Smith's performance was particularly notable given his recent streak of success. He had previously recorded back-to-back 200-plus-yard receiving games, a rare feat in Big Ten history, with the other player achieving this being Indiana's Ty Fryfrogle in 2020.
In the recent game, Smith's average of 18.0 yards per reception was significantly lower than his usual high output. He had previously recorded eight receptions for 144 yards in a previous game, marking his fifth 100-plus-yard receiving game of the season.
The game was broadcast live on ET on FOX, with FOX's 'Big Noon Kickoff' providing coverage from Bloomington. The matchup was highly anticipated, with both teams entering the game undefeated in conference play.
Ohio State's loss to Indiana was particularly significant as it marked the first time Indiana had won the Big Ten Championship since 1988. The Buckeyes had been looking to avenge their loss in last year's championship game.
Indiana's defensive coordinator, Bryant Haines, had previously faced Smith in the 2025 Big Ten Championship, where Smith had performed exceptionally well. This game was seen as a chance for Haines to limit Smith's effectiveness.
Despite Ohio State's loss, the team's quarterback, Will Howard, had a solid performance, completing 22 of 26 passes as part of a 38-15 win over Maryland in their previous game. However, against Indiana, the Buckeyes were outgained in total yards, 316-151.
What this adds
Smith had previously broken a similar slump earlier in the season against Texas, picking up 164 yards in a loss, showing his ability to bounce back from poor performances.
What's confirmed
- That said, Smith only had three receptions for 34 yards, with him also recording a 12-yard carry.
- The win was Indiana's first against Ohio State since 1988.
- According to FOX Sports Research, Smith is just the second player in Big Ten history to have back-to-back, 200-plus-yard receiving games, the other player being Indiana's Ty Fryfrogle (2020).
- Smith reeled in eight receptions for 144 yards – 18.0 yards per reception – marking his then-fifth 100-plus-yard receiving game of the season.
- ET on FOX, with FOX's "Big Noon Kickoff" on site in Bloomington.
- Here's how Smith has performed against Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines' unit: In short: Smith ripped apart the Hoosiers' defense when the two teams met in the 2025 Big Ten Championship.
- 5-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, who have won 22 consecutive games dating back to last season.
- As part of a 38-15 win, the Buckeyes outgained the Hoosiers in total yards, 316-151, with Ohio State quarterback Will Howard completing 22 of 26 passes.
- Ohio State lost to Indiana, 13-10, shortly after a 7:57 drive ended with a 22-yard missed field goal from Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding with 2:48 remaining in the fourth quarter.
- The Hoosiers are putting their 22-game win streak on the line, while Ohio State is looking to avenge its loss in last year's Big Ten Championship Game.
What's still developing
- "We're not allowed to play with 12 or 13, so we’re up the creek, I guess." said Cignetti.
- While speaking on The Triple Option, Cignetti was asked how he plans to limit Smith's effectiveness in Week 7.
- Heading into this Saturday's highly-anticipated clash between Indiana and Ohio State, there's no denying that slowing down Buckeye WR Jeremiah Smith will be a huge priority for the Hoosier defense.
- Michigan and Ohio State won national titles in 2023 and '24, respectively, and of course met again in 2025.
- But Indiana has never allowed him to score in two meetings.
- Smith broke a similar slump earlier this season against Texas, which had held him in check in two previous meetings, and picked up 164 yards (in a loss) in Week 2.
- Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is one big catch away from tying the Big Ten's career receiving touchdowns record.
- Ohio State is coming off a commanding 45-16 win over Maryland, while Indiana snuck by Nebraska with a 20-17 victory.
- What Smith did in Ohio State’s first five games was extraordinary, but he made it look — well, ordinary, so we looked past him to other players and storylines.