Eric Boggs
Buckeye fans have plenty to celebrate this week as Ohio State players dominated the Big Ten’s postseason awards. Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs headlined the accolades, winning major individual awards, while seven Buckeyes earned All-Big Ten first-team honors. These standout performances reflect Ohio State’s excellence on both sides of the ball and set the stage for a promising postseason run.
Jeremiah Smith: Big Ten’s Best Receiver and Freshman Phenom
Jeremiah Smith has quickly established himself as one of the premier talents in college football, earning both Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Smith joins elite company as only the second player in conference history to win both awards in the same season, following Rondale Moore’s 2018 campaign at Purdue.
Smith’s accolades extend a proud Ohio State tradition, making him the third consecutive Buckeye to win Big Ten Receiver of the Year, following Marvin Harrison Jr.’s back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023. He’s also the 11th Ohio State player to claim Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the first since C.J. Stroud in 2021.
The freshman phenom’s numbers are staggering. Smith shattered Ohio State’s freshman records with 57 receptions, 934 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He surpassed the benchmarks set by Buckeye legend Cris Carter in 1984. With just 66 more receiving yards, Smith could become the first Ohio State freshman and only the 10th Buckeye ever to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
Caleb Downs: Lockdown Leader in the Secondary
On the defensive side, safety Caleb Downs earned Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year honors, becoming just the second Buckeye to win the award since its inception in 2011. The sophomore transfer from Alabama wasted no time making an impact, anchoring a defense that led all FBS teams in points allowed (10.9) and yards allowed per game (241.1).
Downs’ season was a masterpiece of versatility and consistency. He tallied 62 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and three pass breakups, proving instrumental in both pass coverage and run support. His leadership and playmaking ability were key to Ohio State’s dominance on defense.
The accolades may not stop here for Downs, who is a finalist for two of college football’s most prestigious awards: the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) and the Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player). Winners will be announced during ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 12.
Seven Buckeyes Earn All-Big Ten First Team Honors
Ohio State’s dominance extended beyond Smith and Downs, with seven players named to the All-Big Ten first team:
- Donovan Jackson (OL): The three-time first-team honoree moved from left guard to left tackle late in the season, solidifying the offensive line after injuries.
- Seth McLaughlin (C): Despite a season-ending Achilles injury after 10 games, the Alabama transfer provided elite play in the trenches.
- Lathan Ransom (S): In his final season with Ohio State, Ransom amassed 57 tackles, three forced fumbles, an interception, and a pass deflection.
- Cody Simon (LB): A team captain and Block O recipient, Simon led the team with 74 tackles, adding five sacks and a forced fumble.
- J.T. Tuimoloau (DE): The three-time first-team honoree recorded six sacks, 38 tackles, and a forced fumble in his senior campaign.
Beyond the first-team honors, nine other Buckeyes earned second- or third-team recognition, with standout contributions from players like defensive end Jack Sawyer, cornerback Denzel Burke, and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Several others were named honorable mentions, highlighting the depth and talent of Ohio State’s roster.
Looking Ahead
With stars like Smith and Downs leading the way and a roster brimming with award-winning talent, Ohio State prepares for the post-season. As the Buckeyes chase a National Championship, fans question how a team filled with this much talent failed to defeat Michigan for a fourth consecutive season.
