Jeremiah Smith’s One-Half Explosion Sets Stage for Texas Rematch
Smith’s 151-yard first half plus career-leading totals force new Texas coordinator Will Muschamp to choose how he will try to contain him.
Overview
- Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State on Saturday and was rested for the second half by coach Ryan Day.
- Since 2024 Smith leads the nation in receptions (171), receiving yards (2,709) and touchdown catches (29), putting him within reach of several Ohio State career records.
- Texas has successfully limited Smith in the two prior meetings, holding him to a combined seven catches for 46 yards by using deep zone concepts and safety help over the top.
- Will Muschamp’s return to a primary defensive coordinator role introduces uncertainty because he has not served full-time as a DC since 2015, leaving Ohio State unsure how Texas will adjust schematically.
- Ohio State plans to use Julian Sayin’s in-game reads and work to free Devin McCuin, Brandon Inniss and other targets if Texas focuses on Smith while Smith’s performance strengthens his early Heisman narrative.