Ohio State football starts its national title defense in rugged fashion on Aug. 30. The top-ranked Texas Longhorns come to Columbus. Fortunately the return of Jeremiah Smith eases any worries of a Buckeyes stumble.
Smith sparked the late charge for the Buckeyes last season. OSU went 9-1 the rest of the way with Smith shredding secondaries. All as a true freshman.
The mammoth wide receiver talent is the most highly anticipated talent back inside the famed Horseshoe. Smith is already hailed as the No. 1 “freak” by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. This time he’s energizing Heisman Trophy hype.
Will the WR snatch the coveted award? And could Smith become better than last season under head coach Ryan Day? Time to dive into some bold predictions.
Jeremiah Smith will post better numbers vs. Texas
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Longhorns handed Smith his worst game last season. Bottling him to one catch for three yards.
This time Brian Hartline will draw up ways to prevent that type of showing. As former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is off to the Las Vegas Raiders. Hartline’s WR background helps in taking further advantage of Smith’s uncanny abilities.
Texas bracketed Smith during its last meeting in the College Football Playoffs. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski turned to zone coverage and quarterback pressure to downsize Smith’s big plays. This tactic, however, put the game in the hands of Quinn Ewers of Texas. He struggled facing an even more stout Buckeyes defense.
Texas likely will throw out Cover 2 and a two-man under look. They won’t want Smith on an island with a cornerback. But Hartline can counter by motioning Smith even more, all to try to confuse the ‘Horns and their defensive backs.
The No. 1 team still must find a nickelback and CB2 opposite of Malik Muhammad. Best…
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Publish date : 2025-08-22 02:27:00
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