The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for the 2026 football season with high expectations. They are the frontrunners for the national championship, a title that narrowly escaped them last year. Despite finishing the regular season unbeaten, they faced a setback in the Big Ten Championship Game, losing 13-10 to the Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers went on to claim the national championship. The season ended for the Buckeyes with a 24-14 defeat by the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl, who finished as national runners-up.
Ending with two consecutive losses left the Buckeyes motivated, particularly impacting star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith felt the sting of both losses keenly, but one opponent stands out.
‘Gotta Be the Hometown Team’
Smith hails from Miami Gardens. The Cotton Bowl loss to Miami drew reactions from his hometown community. On the “Cover 3 Podcast”, host Bud Elliot asked Smith about seeking revenge. Smith was clear on the matter.
“Gotta be the hometown team, Miami. Gotta be,” Smith stated while shaking his head. “I heard it a lot every time I went back home. Gotta be Miami. Gots to.”
Smith was not at fault for the Cotton Bowl loss with his performance. He racked up seven catches for 157 yards, including a 59-yard reception, along with a touchdown. However, quarterback Julian Sayin’s two interceptions, one resulting in a 72-yard pick-six, contributed to the upset. The Buckeyes were 9.5 point favorites entering the game.
The team has rebuilt for another championship attempt. Smith chose to remain with Ohio State despite offers elsewhere totaling $10 million.
“I always wanted to be at Ohio State,” he explained. “It would be dumb for me to leave Ohio State and go to another team when I have the best offensive line in the country, the best quarterback in the country, the best coaches in the country.”
Smith is likely facing his last season at Ohio State as he anticipates being a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. For now, his focus remains on avenging last season’s defeats.
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