Jeremiah Smith isn’t just one of the most electric wideouts in the country-he might be the best player in all of college football right now. Forget the postseason awards circuit for a second.
Watch the tape, look at the matchups, and you’ll see a receiver who’s been a nightmare for defensive backs all season long. And now, the Ohio State star is heading back to his home turf in South Florida with a chance to prove it on one of the biggest stages of the season.
Smith and the Buckeyes are set for a high-stakes showdown in the Cotton Bowl Classic on December 31, where they’ll face off against the Miami Hurricanes in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. For Smith, this game hits a little different.
He grew up in the Miami area. He knows these guys.
And now he’s lining up across from them with a trip to the CFP semifinals on the line.
But before the Buckeyes hit the field, there’s media business to handle. Smith, as one of Ohio State’s offensive headliners, took the podium earlier this week and gave some insight into where he’s at physically and mentally heading into the postseason.
One of the more eye-opening takeaways? Smith revealed he was battling through an injury late in the regular season.
He didn’t go into every detail, but it’s clear he wasn’t at full strength down the stretch. That makes his production even more impressive-and now that he says he’s back to 100%, it’s fair to expect fireworks in Arlington.
The matchup with Miami adds some spice for Smith personally. These aren’t just random defenders he’ll be facing-he’s familiar with a lot of them from his time in South Florida.
There’s a sense of pride that comes with that, but also a level of comfort. He knows what he’s up against, and they know him.
That familiarity could make for some fascinating one-on-one battles on the outside.
For Ohio State, Smith’s return to full health couldn’t come at a better time. The Buckeyes will need every bit of his explosiveness and route-running precision to get past a Miami team that’s no slouch defensively.
The Hurricanes bring speed, physicality, and plenty of attitude on that side of the ball. But Smith thrives in big moments, and this one feels tailor-made for a statement performance.
With the Cotton Bowl just days away, all eyes will be on how Smith and the Buckeyes respond. The stakes are massive.
The spotlight is bright. And if Smith really is back to full speed, we could be in for a show.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just another bowl game. It’s a playoff clash with personal stakes, national implications, and one of college football’s most dynamic talents taking center stage in his own backyard. Buckle up.