Ohio State’s sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is setting college football ablaze, and his electrifying performance against the Ohio Bobcats on September 13, 2025, has thrust him into the Heisman Trophy conversation. With jaw-dropping stats, a reliable quarterback in Julian Sayin, and a slate of marquee games ahead, Smith’s case as a Heisman frontrunner is gaining serious momentum. Let’s dive into why Smith’s numbers and Ohio State’s high-profile schedule make him a legitimate contender for college football’s most prestigious award.
Smith’s Sensational Numbers
Jeremiah Smith’s 2025 season is off to a scorching start, and his latest outing against Ohio was a masterclass in dominance. In the Buckeyes’ 37-9 rout of the Bobcats, Smith hauled in 9 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 17.0 yards per catch, and added a 17-yard rushing touchdown for a total of 170 yards from scrimmage and two scores. His 47-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter—a perfectly placed deep ball from Sayin—stretched Ohio State’s lead and had fans erupting at Ohio Stadium. This performance made Smith the fastest player in Ohio State history to reach 1,500 career receiving yards, hitting the milestone in just 15 games.
Through three games in 2025, Smith has racked up 20 catches for 315 yards (15.8 yards per reception) and three receiving touchdowns, plus his first career rushing touchdown. These numbers project him toward a 1,200-yard, 15-touchdown season, putting him in elite company with past non-quarterback Heisman winners like DeVonta Smith in 2020. His freshman year was no slouch either, as he earned Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors with 57 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, setting Ohio State freshman records and shining in the 2024 College Football Playoff with clutch grabs like a 45-yard catch and a 43-yard score.
Smith’s Week 2 performance against Grambling State further bolsters his case: 5 receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns, including an 87-yard touchdown that showcased his blazing speed and precise route-running. Social media is buzzing, with posts on X calling his Ohio game a “Heisman moment” and analysts like Bobby Football listing him at +2000 odds, making him a top non-quarterback contender alongside Alabama’s Ryan Williams.
The Case for Smith’s Heisman Chances
Smith’s Heisman candidacy is built on a foundation of elite production and favorable circumstances:
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Explosive Playmaking: Smith’s ability to turn any play into a highlight is unmatched. His 47-yard touchdown against Ohio and 87-yard score against Grambling State demonstrate his knack for game-changing plays. With 315 yards on 20 catches this season, he’s averaging 15.8 yards per catch, a testament to his big-play ability. This explosiveness aligns with what voters love: a player who can take over games single-handedly.
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Historic Milestones: Becoming Ohio State’s fastest player to 1,500 receiving yards in just 15 games puts Smith in rare air. His career totals—76 receptions for 1315 yards and 15 touchdowns—show he’s not just a flash in the pan but a consistent, record-breaking talent. These milestones draw parallels to Heisman winners like DeVonta Smith, who posted 1,856 yards in his 2020 campaign.
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Julian Sayin’s Stellar Play: Ohio State’s new starting quarterback, Julian Sayin, has been a revelation, providing Smith with a reliable and dynamic passer. Against Ohio, Sayin completed 25 of 32 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns, including the 47-yard strike to Smith. Sayin’s accuracy and ability to stretch the field have unlocked Smith’s potential, ensuring he gets the targets needed to pile up Heisman-worthy stats. Their growing chemistry—evident in Smith’s nine-catch night—bodes well for the rest of the season.
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Ohio State’s Marquee Matchups: As the No. 1-ranked team, Ohio State has a spotlight-heavy schedule that will keep Smith in the national conversation. Upcoming games against Washington (September 27), Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon are primetime opportunities for Smith to shine. These high-stakes contests, often broadcast nationally, give him a platform to rack up stats and highlights against top-tier defenses, a critical factor for Heisman voters. A 150-yard, multi-touchdown game against a rival like Michigan could cement his case.
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Breaking the QB Mold: While quarterbacks like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Texas’ Arch Manning lead the Heisman odds, the 2024 win by two-way star Travis Hunter proved non-quarterbacks can break through. Smith’s versatility—evident in his receiving, rushing touchdown, and even punt return attempts—makes him a unique candidate. ESPN’s Heather Dinich said it best: “He’s a big-time playmaker, and the award goes to the best player, not the best quarterback.”
Why Smith’s Star Is Rising
Smith’s Ohio performance was a statement, not just for its raw numbers but for its timing. His 170 yards and two touchdowns came as Ohio State pulled away, showcasing his ability to shift momentum. With Sayin delivering pinpoint passes and the Buckeyes’ offense averaging 572 yards per game, Smith is poised for more monster performances. The bye week before the Washington game gives him and Sayin time to refine their connection, setting the stage for a potential Heisman-defining run.
Ohio State’s marquee schedule is a massive advantage. Games against Washington, Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon will draw millions of viewers, giving Smith a chance to dazzle on the biggest stages. If he continues posting 100-yard games and multi-touchdown performances—like his Ohio outing—his Heisman buzz will be undeniable. Analyst Paul Finebaum noted, “Smith’s ability to make plays that leave your jaw on the floor is what Heisman voters remember.”
The Road to the Heisman
Jeremiah Smith’s path to the Heisman is clearer than ever. His 315 yards and four total touchdowns through three games, combined with his record-breaking pace and Sayin’s emergence as a top-tier quarterback, make him a serious contender. Ohio State’s upcoming slate of high-profile games—starting with Washington on September 27—gives him the perfect stage to showcase his generational talent. If Smith keeps delivering performances like his Ohio masterpiece, he could join the rare company of non-quarterback Heisman winners.
