Ohio State’s WR Duo Returns Just in Time - And Just in Form - for Big Ten Title Push
There was plenty of buzz heading into The Game, and not just because of the four-year drought Ohio State was desperate to end. Yes, the Buckeyes finally flipped the script on Michigan with a dominant 27-9 win, but that wasn’t the only storyline worth watching in Ann Arbor. The status of two of Ohio State’s brightest young stars - wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate - had fans holding their breath all week.
Both had been sidelined with lower-body injuries in recent weeks, and their availability for the Michigan game was a major question mark. But when kickoff rolled around, there they were - suited up, locked in, and ready to make an impact.
And they didn’t just return - they delivered. Each hauled in a touchdown from quarterback Julian Sayin, reminding everyone exactly why they’re considered two of the most dangerous weapons in the Buckeyes’ arsenal.
Now, with the Big Ten Championship looming and a date with No. 2 Indiana on deck, the question shifts from if Smith and Tate will play to how much of a problem they’ll be for the Hoosiers’ defense.
Head coach Ryan Day gave an encouraging update following the win over Michigan, saying both receivers came out of the game “as good as could be expected.” He added that they’re “excited to play” in the conference title game - a clear sign that the Buckeyes are heading into the postseason with their offensive firepower intact.
Let’s not understate the significance of that. Smith had missed just one game, while Tate had been out for three.
The coaching staff clearly played the long game with their recovery, opting to rest them in matchups where the Buckeyes didn’t need to empty the tank to win. That patience paid off in a big way last weekend, and it could be the difference-maker heading into championship weekend.
Ohio State’s offense looked balanced and explosive with both receivers back in the fold. Sayin had clean pockets to work from, and with Smith and Tate stretching the field, the Buckeyes were able to keep Michigan’s defense off balance from start to finish. It was the kind of performance that turns momentum into belief - and belief into titles.
With Indiana up next, Ohio State is not just healthy - they’re hungry. And with Smith and Tate back at full speed, the Buckeyes’ offense looks poised to take another big step toward bringing more hardware back to Columbus.