Jeremiah Smith’s Big Blunder, That Almost Cost Ryan Day Against Texas, Exposed by FOX Reporter

Nobody doubts that Jeremiah Smith is right up there as the best player in college football—if not the undisputed top wideout in the nation. After exploding onto the scene as a true freshman in 2024, he caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team All-America honors and quietly rewriting the Buckeyes’ record books. So when Week 1 of the 2025 season rolled around, expectations couldn’t have been higher. What happened next, though, looked like a plot twist you couldn’t script, or maybe you could. Curious how the season opener started with such a stumble?

Well, in that very first quarter, against the No. 1 Texas Longhorns, the unflappable Smith, who dropped just one pass across 105 targets all of 2024, dropped two passes on his first three targets. For a player of his caliber, it was a jarring sight, a blunder that threatened to unravel Ohio State’s game plan under head coach Ryan Day. How could the sport’s brightest star falter so spectacularly right out of the gate?

That question might well have been answered on the sideline. FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft reported live that, “First thing Jeremiah Smith, when he came off the field, he changed out his gloves. Those were not working. Keep in mind, Jeremiah Smith told me.” The gloves, it seemed, were the culprit, but how did this small fix turn the tide for Smith and his team?

The adjustment appeared effective, as he hauled in a 16-yard catch on the second play of OSU’s next drive. Smith had 6 receptions for 43 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per catch. Despite a rocky safety blanket, QB Sayin managed a steady performance, going 13-for-20 for 126 yards and a touchdown. Ohio State’s defense carried the Buckeyes to a hard-fought 14-7 victory over No. 1 Texas.

Yet, the question lingers: could this early hiccup have been avoided, and is the hype around Smith justified?

Jeremiah Smith is the Buckeye phenomenon redefining college football stardom

Jeremiah Smith, at just 19, has become a household name in college football, not just for his electric plays but for his burgeoning brand. Donning No. 4 for Ohio State, he’s already considered by many analysts as potentially the nation’s top receiver. His highlight-reel catches, like the memorable touchdown against Michigan and acrobatic grabs against Northwestern, have made him a sensation, fueling both his reputation and the Buckeyes’ offense. But his impact extends far beyond the field. Two weeks ago, a photo op at Polaris Mall drew thousands, with lines stretching outside the building, just to stand next to the super sophomore. How does a college athlete command such attention?

He leads Ohio State in jersey sales and ranks among the top 10 nationally for college football merchandise. At the Schottenstein Center fan shop, his No. 4 jerseys, priced at $185 each, fly off the racks, with hundreds sold this season alone. Each purchase directly benefits Smith through his name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement, a hallmark of the new era in college athletics. Alex Hale, the retail manager, notes, “He’s been one of a kind that I’ve seen. He’s a lot of fun to watch on the field and a lot of fun to watch his jersey sell.” The fan shop is the exclusive seller of Ohio State Football NIL jerseys.