The Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Friday night, emerging with a 28-14 victory. True freshman standout Jeremiah Smith, who has been a dominant force all season, was limited to just one catch as the Longhorn defense zeroed in on him with relentless double and triple coverage.
Even Smith himself expressed disbelief at the extraordinary lengths Texas went to neutralize his impact on the game.
Ultra-Talented Buckeye Receiver Jeremiah Smith Reacts to Extra Coverage By Longhorns Defense
It came as no surprise to anyone following college football that the Texas Longhorns’ primary defensive objective in the College Football Playoff semifinal was to contain Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. What did surprise many—Smith included—was just how committed Texas was to that goal.
A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by The Scarlet and Gray Podcast showcased an image of three Texas defenders bracketing Smith. While another Buckeyes receiver was lined up outside, the message was clear: neutralize Ohio State’s number-one receiver at all costs.
Smith’s response to the post was brief but telling.
Crazy🤣 https://t.co/SuFmmVV60j
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) January 11, 2025
“Crazy,” Smith’s post read.
The defensive strategy wasn’t unwarranted.
In the Rose Bowl quarterfinal against Oregon, Smith had torched the Ducks’ defense, recording four catches for 118 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter alone. By halftime, the Buckeyes had a commanding 17-0 lead, and the game was effectively over.
Smith finished the night with seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, an utterly dominant performance against an undefeated Oregon team.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the challenge of defending Smith before the semifinal matchup, stating, “I just hope we’re good enough.” His team’s strategy reflected that sentiment, as they double- and triple-teamed Smith throughout the game.
The plan worked, at least statistically, as Smith was held to a season-low one catch for three yards.
However, the effectiveness of Texas’s strategy in terms of winning the game is up for debate.
While Smith was contained, the Buckeyes’ deep receiving corps more than compensated. Emeka Egbuka, projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and sophomore Carnell Tate, a former five-star recruit, stepped up in Smith’s absence.
Tate had his best game of the season, leading the Buckeyes with seven catches for 87 yards, while Egbuka added five receptions for 52 yards, including several critical grabs. Tight end Gee Scott Jr. also made a significant contribution, tallying a season-high five catches for 30 yards.
Despite holding Ohio State to just 14 points through three quarters, Texas ultimately faltered in the fourth, allowing the Buckeyes to secure a 28-14 victory. Whether the defensive focus on Smith heightened Texas’s chances is debatable, as it opened opportunities for the Buckeyes’ other playmakers to shine.
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Looking ahead to the National Championship game against Notre Dame, it’s likely the Fighting Irish will adopt a similar approach in trying to stymie Smith. However, history suggests it’s tough to contain a star receiver twice in a row.
Even if Notre Dame succeeds in replicating Texas’s formula, the Buckeyes can take confidence in the depth and talent of their receiving corps, ensuring they remain a formidable offensive threat.