During his remarks at Big Ten Media Days, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was questioned about which team he would prefer to seek revenge against—Indiana or Miami. Without hesitation, Smith declared his choice as Miami, referring to the Hurricanes as 'the hometown team.' He explained his reasoning, stating, 'Gotta be. I heard it a lot every time I went back home.' The sentiment clearly resonated with him, given his background in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Smith's two-game series with Miami in the 2025 season proved significant, as those contests represented both of Ohio State’s only losses that year. In those games, Smith made a strong impact, catching 15 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown. With what appears to be his final season at Ohio State on the horizon, Smith now carries the dual weight of high personal expectations and the team’s ambitions into the 2026 campaign.
Fixing What Went Wrong
The Buckeyes' 2025 season came to a disappointing end with a loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and a subsequent defeat at the hands of Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. This marked the first time the Buckeyes had lost two consecutive games since the 2023 season, a year that actually ended with a national championship. Head coach Ryan Day viewed the 2025 season as a valuable learning opportunity, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing the team’s shortcomings.
'I think when you're chasing small margins like you are, you have to identify the things that need to get fixed and fix them.' His remarks reflect a philosophy of continuous improvement, particularly with a team filled with experience as they head into 2026.
The Buckeyes’ opportunity to address some of those issues starts with their highly anticipated regular-season rematch with Indiana on Oct. 17. A win in Bloomington could serve as a symbolic turning point, helping establish momentum as the team looks to reclaim its place among national contenders.
For Smith, the narrative is more personal. Facing Miami is not just another game but a chance to rewrite a chapter that has already had a major impact on his college career. The Hurricanes represent a challenge both on and off the field, and for Smith, the motivation is clear and deeply personal.
With the support of a strong team and guidance from Day, Smith’s performance and mindset could determine whether Ohio State turns its setbacks into a renewed sense of purpose for the 2026 season.
The road ahead will be long, but with a talented roster and a focus on learning from the past, the Buckeyes aim to make their mark once again in the college football landscape.