Eric Boggs
Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continued his spectacular debut season on Saturday, cementing his name in Buckeye history with a record-setting performance against Purdue at Ohio Stadium. Smith, who has been rewriting the Ohio State record books since arriving on campus, broke two significant freshman records and now holds every major freshman receiving record at the school.
Smith entered the game against Purdue needing just one reception to claim the Buckeyes’ freshman catches record from Ohio State legend Cris Carter, and he did so with flair. On a critical 3rd-and-17 play in the first quarter, Smith hauled in a 16-yard pass, battling through double coverage. Although just shy of a first down, Smith’s catch set up a successful 4th-and-1 conversion that kept the Buckeyes’ drive alive. That reception marked Smith’s 42nd catch of the season, surpassing Carter’s freshman record set in the 1980s.
But Smith didn’t stop there. Just before halftime, Smith caught a 17-yard touchdown pass, his ninth of the season, to break yet another of Carter’s freshman records—this time for receiving touchdowns. Smith’s touchdown extended Ohio State’s lead to 21-0 and solidified his position as a pivotal player in the Buckeyes’ offense. It was his ninth score in just eight games, an unprecedented pace that saw him score in each of his first seven games, a record streak that only ended against Penn State last week.
Smith’s name is now atop all three major freshman receiving categories at Ohio State: receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Already holding the freshman receiving yards record with 678 yards going into the Purdue matchup, Smith has emerged as one of the team’s leading receivers. Entering Saturday, he trailed only Emeka Egbuka in total catches and was Ohio State’s leader in both yards and touchdowns.
Smith’s path to these records started long before the season. In spring practice, he became the earliest freshman ever to have his black stripe removed, a sign of readiness and respect in the Ohio State program. Over the summer, he became the first freshman to earn the title of “Iron Buckeye,” a testament to his elite work ethic and physical preparation recognized by the strength and conditioning staff.
Smith’s breakout season hasn’t gone unnoticed. This past Wednesday, he was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award, an honor reserved for the nation’s top freshman. With games still to come, Smith has ample opportunity to build on his record-breaking season and help Ohio State continue its strong season.
Jeremiah Smith’s record-setting afternoon against Purdue is just the latest chapter in what promises to be a remarkable Buckeye career, with his accomplishments already placing him among the greats in Ohio State history.
