Overview
- FanDuel lists Smith as the betting favorite at roughly -195 after he caught four passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State’s 45-16 win over Maryland.
- Smith leads the Big Ten and the FBS in major receiving categories with about 48 catches for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns through six games according to game and season reports.
- High-profile attention, including a public endorsement from LeBron James and multiple media power rankings, has amplified Smith’s national profile but does not determine Heisman voting.
- Arch Manning’s unexpected loss at Texas has eased one rival’s momentum, while other quarterbacks and skill players such as Keelon Russell, Trinidad Chambliss, Darian Mensah, and C.J. Carr remain viable contenders.
- Smith faces meaningful risk to his case because only four true wide receivers have ever won the Heisman, so upcoming matchups against tougher opponents and Ohio State’s team results will likely decide whether he stays the frontrunner.