Eric Boggs
This week, several Ohio State standouts and the Buckeyes’ rapidly improving offensive line received prestigious national recognition, underscoring the team’s standout season and individual achievements.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been named a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, which celebrates the best player in college football. Smith, known for his explosive playmaking, is one of only two wide receivers among the 20 semifinalists, joined by Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who also excels as a cornerback.
Quarterback Will Howard was honored as a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, which is awarded to the nation’s top quarterback. The Kansas State transfer has been remarkable for Ohio State, ranking second in FBS completion percentage (74%) and third in passer rating (182.5). This award recognizes his outstanding accuracy and leadership, making him one of just 16 semifinalists.
On defense, safety Caleb Downs continues to impress, adding two more semifinalist honors this week for national defensive player awards. Already a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, Downs is also in the running for the Bednarik Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy, two additional awards that acknowledge defensive excellence and leadership on and off the field.
Ohio State’s offensive line has proven to be one of the season’s most improved units, earning a semifinalist spot for the Joe Moore Award, which recognizes the nation’s best offensive line. This recognition highlights the group’s resilience and dedication, especially after battling adversity last season. Howard expressed deep pride in his line’s accomplishments, stating, “I think that speaks a lot to the work that those guys have put in…those guys have stuck together, man. And they’ve done an unbelievable job, and I’m so proud of them.”
In other honors, Smith was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, while linebacker Sonny Styles earned a semifinalist position for the Butkus Award, which recognizes college football’s top linebacker. Offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin was also distinguished as one of 16 finalists for the Campbell Trophy, which celebrates outstanding academic and athletic achievements.
The Buckeyes dominated the Big Ten’s weekly awards following a decisive 45-0 victory over Purdue. Howard was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after completing 21 of 26 passes for 260 yards and four touchdowns, showing exceptional accuracy and poise. Smith’s six-catch, 87-yard performance, including his ninth touchdown reception of the season, earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. This touchdown set a new Ohio State record for touchdown catches by a true freshman, surpassing a 40-year-old mark held by Cris Carter.
Through nine games, Smith’s 45 receptions have led to 765 yards and 10 touchdowns, ranking him sixth nationally in receiving touchdowns and among the top 25 in receiving yards and yards per game. Meanwhile, Howard remains one of the top quarterbacks in completion percentage and passing efficiency, boasting 22 touchdown passes, which is sixth in the nation.
Ohio State, ranked No. 2 with an 8-1 record (5-1 in the Big Ten), will travel to Chicago this Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Wrigley Field, where they’ll take on Northwestern (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten). The game will air nationally on BTN, with the Buckeyes aiming to continue their remarkable season and solidify their place among college football’s elite.
