Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Sends Message to Oregon Ducks Ahead Of Rose Bowl

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith isn't holding back ahead of the Buckeyes' Rose Bowl showdown against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks. The true freshman, coming off an explosive season, sent a clear warning to Oregon’s defense about using a man-to-man coverage strategy.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch during the second half of the College Football Playoff first round game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 22, 2024. Ohio State won 42-17. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES – Confidence appears to be at an all-time high for Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith and the Buckeyes are gearing up to take on the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl. Ahead of the highly anticipated game, Smith had a warning for Oregon's coaching staff. 

"I'm just laughing in my head. 'Why are y'all really playing man-on-man against us?' Or against me, I should say?" said Smith. "And 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 continued. 

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs past Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during the first half of the College Football Playoff first round game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Smith, a true freshman wide receiver out of Miami Gardens, Florida, has been a key factor in Ohio State’s success this season. This season, Smith has caught 63 passes for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

Smith enters the Rose Bowl fresh off a dominant performance against Tennessee, where the Vols played man coverage. In Ohio State’s 42-17 victory over the Vols, Smith had six catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Ducks and Buckeyes faced off back in October when Ohio State was ranked No. 2 and Oregon was ranked No. 3. Oregon went on to win that game 32-31, ultimately helping the Ducks secure the No. 1 spot. 

Coach Dan Lanning celebrates amid a crowd of fans on the field as No. 3 Oregon knocked off No. 2 Ohio State 32-31 on Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

MORE: Ohio State's Ryan Day Addresses Injuries, Oregon Ducks' Trickery, Rose Bowl Matchup

MORE: Denver Broncos' Bo Nix 'Jealous' Of Brother Tez Johnson, Oregon Ducks' Rose Bowl

MORE: Ohio State Buckeyes Unveil White Uniforms for Rose Bowl vs. Oregon Ducks

Although the Ducks emerged victorious in the first matchup, Smith was a problem for Oregon’s secondary. The freshman caught nine passes for 100 yards; however, it was not enough to secure a victory. 

In the fourth quarter, with just 22 seconds left to play, Smith caught a deep pass from quarterback Will Howard to put Ohio State in prime scoring position at the Oregon 21-yard line. However, a flag was thrown on the play as Smith was called for offensive pass interference. Officials called the penalty after Smith seemingly pushed off of Oregon defensive back Nikko Reed. That penalty sent Ohio State back to Oregon’s 43-yard line, and the Buckeyes would not score again. 

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) picks up a first down during the second half against Oregon Ducks defensive back Jabbar Muhammad (7) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

“I think about that call probably every day,” Smith said. “It was a crazy call. The DB was holding me; I just cleared his hands. I guess receivers can’t be physical in football anymore, but DBs could hold 10 yards, 15 yards down the field. It’s behind me. I know the move from here on out when the DB is grabbing me. I guess you can’t be physical as a receiver in college football anymore. We’ll just see how things play out in this game.” 

This time, Smith and the Buckeyes are seeking revenge, and Smith seems more confident than ever in his ability to disrupt Oregon's defense. 

Dec 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; A general overall aerial view of Rose Bowl Stadium football field for the 111th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-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." 

The Ducks and Buckeyes will face each other for a second and final time this season in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. 

MORE: Oregon Ducks Release Uniforms for Rose Bowl vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

MORE: Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Rose Bowl Injury Update: Jordan Burch, Jahlil Florence 

MORE: Denver Broncos' Bo Nix Reacts to Overtime Cincinnati Bengals Loss, NFL Playoffs

MORE: Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Ticket Prices Rise, College Football Playoff Quarterfinal