Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was one of the most important players in the Buckeyes’ national championship run last season. As a freshman, he emerged as one of the best receivers in the NCAA and helped the team go on an impressive run to the championship.
One of Smith’s most impressive games was in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff against the then-undefeated Oregon Ducks. Smith made seven receptions for 187 yards and two TDs. Heading into this season, the Ducks are hoping to have another strong year and this time avenge their loss to Ohio State. The sting of defeat is still felt by players no longer on the team.
During a Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp media appearance on July 27, former Oregon WR Tez Johnson spoke about how he feels about Ohio State, even though he is in the NFL now.
“Ohio State gonna get beat in the championship this year,” Johnson said. “I got a lot of receipts that I’m keeping right now, because yeah, I hold grudges. I’m sorry. I hold grudges. I mean, obviously I wanted to win the Rose Bowl, but we came up short. So we’re gonna go back to the Rose Bowl this year, and if it’s Ohio State, we’re gonna come at Jeremiah Smith.”
On Friday, Jeremiah Smith made a media appearance and spoke about how he felt about Johnson’s comments.
“I just laughed at it,” Smith said. “I didn’t really say anything on social media but I’ve had people to send it to me and at me on social media and Instagram and stuff. So I really just laughed at it. There’s nothing too personal.”
Jeremiah Smith Admits There Were Games He Hesitated Last Season
Even though Jeremiah Smith was one of the best wide receivers in college football last year, he was still a freshman. As a result, despite playing at a high level, he was adapting to the college game. On Friday, analyst Chase Brown tweeted out a quote from Smith where he spoke about hesitating last season. Smith said that there were games that he did not play as fast as he was capable of playing.
Jeremiah Smith said there were games last season in which he “hesitated” and didn’t always play as fast as he’s capable of playing. Entering 2025, he has complete confidence in himself and wants to show what he can do at full speed.
“It’s gonna be scary this year,” he said.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) August 1, 2025
If Jeremiah Smith has another level to get to, it will only make it more difficult for the Oregon Ducks to defeat Ohio State this season. The two teams are not scheduled to play in the regular season.
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