Ducks Digest

Ohio State Buckeyes' Jeremiah Smith NFL Ready? Breaks Record vs. Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks fell short of their national championship dreams with a loss in the Rose Bowl, as Ohio State’s true freshman standout Jeremiah Smith delivered a record-breaking performance. Despite Dan Lanning’s team’s efforts, the Buckeyes now head to the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Cotton Bowl, where they’ll face the Texas Longhorns' top-ranked defense.

Olivia Cleary

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is named the game's offensive MVP following the 41-21 win over the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is named the game's offensive MVP following the 41-21 win over the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks' chance at securing the program’s first-ever national championship is over. The Ducks, who entered the Rose Bowl with a 13-0 record, fell 41-21 to a two-loss Ohio State program, which ended their season as well as the collegiate careers of various seniors on Oregon’s roster. 

"There's disappointment," Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. "But I talked to the team about life in that locker room and how grateful I am for the opportunity to coach this team. I love these guys. And they put it all out on the field for us—blood, sweat, and tears." 

Arguably the biggest difference maker for the Buckeyes was true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith dominated Oregon’s secondary for the entirety of the game and was the ideal target for Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after the loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after the loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Smith finished the game with seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, earning him a 94.6 grade from Pro Football Focus—the highest-graded playoff performance by a wide receiver in the Pro Football Focus College Era. 

“He’s strong; he attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I’ve seen,” said Lanning of Smith after the game. “The guy’s NFL ready. He’s that talented; he’s very special.” 

Ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between the Buckeyes and Ducks, Smith sent a warning to the Ducks, advising them not to play man coverage. He also discussed his development since the first meeting, when Oregon narrowly beat Ohio State 32-31. 

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“When we see man [coverage] against any of our receivers, we're going to take a shot down the field. So I'm just letting everybody know right now that if you play man Wednesday, we're taking a shot," Smith said. 

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is named the game's offensive MVP following the 41-21 win over the Orego
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is named the game's offensive MVP following the 41-21 win over the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"They're going to see a completely different player than the last time," said Smith. "Even [receivers] Coach [Brian] Hartline told me the other day that I'm a whole different player from the first time we played Oregon until now. It started with understanding the game plan and knowing what the defense is trying to do." 

Following Smith’s first touchdown during the Rose Bowl, he officially became the all-time single-season receiving touchdown leader for a true freshman in the Big Ten. 

Smith backed up everything he said ahead of the matchup during the game. The true freshman delivered an overpowering performance, taking full advantage of Oregon’s single coverage. Smith erupted for a 45-yard touchdown and a 43-yard touchdown in just the first 20 minutes of the matchup. Smith went on to score another touchdown and was named Offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl. 

“He’s the best receiver in the country, and he showed that tonight,” said Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. 

; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly on the Big Ten Network stage during Rose Bowl media day at Sheraton Gr
Dec 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly on the Big Ten Network stage during Rose Bowl media day at Sheraton Grand LA. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Smith’s performance played a massive role in Ohio State’s success, helping his team advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals: The Cotton Bowl. Smith and the Buckeyes will now have to get past a top Texas defense. 

Texas football is a top-three defensive team in the country, ranking No. 2 nationally in total defense. The Longhorns also rank No. 1 in scoring defense and are top 10 in first downs allowed, tackles for loss, and passing yards, making them a potentially dangerous opponent for the Buckeyes. 

Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) and head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrate the Longhorns 39-31 double overtime wi
Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) and head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrate the Longhorns 39-31 double overtime win over the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Jan. 1, 2025. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“I need Longhorn Nation to show out in Arlington. We're going to need everything we’ve got to try to win this game," Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said via Eleven Warriors. "Clearly, we're massive underdogs. Nobody's going to give us a shot. So we're going to need all that we can to try to win this game.” 

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.

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