Jeremiah Smith Expected Back for The Game – And That’s Big News for Ohio State

When it comes to The Game, there’s no such thing as sitting one out – not if you can help it. And for Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, it looks like that’s exactly the mindset heading into the Buckeyes’ regular-season finale against Michigan.

After missing last week’s contest against Rutgers to nurse an injury suffered in the UCLA game, all signs now point to Smith suiting up for the biggest matchup of the season. And make no mistake: this isn’t just another game on the schedule.

This is Ohio State vs. Michigan, a rivalry that defines legacies and reshapes seasons.

Smith knows it. The Buckeyes know it.

And judging by a recent quote tweet that sent Buckeye Nation into a frenzy, he’s ready to go.

Smith’s absence in Week 13 was calculated – and smart. With Ohio State undefeated and eyeing both a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth, there was no need to risk further injury against Rutgers.

But Michigan? That’s a different story.

This is about more than standings. This is about pride, payback, and postseason positioning.

Let’s not forget: Michigan has had the upper hand in this rivalry for much of the Ryan Day era. Even last season, when Ohio State went on to win the national championship, the Wolverines still handed them a bitter loss. That kind of sting doesn’t fade easily – and Smith, even as a sophomore, understands what’s at stake.

He may be young, but Smith has already made a case as the best wide receiver in college football over the past two seasons. His production, polish, and playmaking ability are off the charts. And though he’s not eligible for the NFL Draft just yet, his pedigree is undeniable – he’s the cousin of Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, and he’s shown every bit of that NFL DNA in Columbus.

If he’s healthy, he’s playing. And if he’s playing, Michigan’s secondary will have its hands full.

Buckeyes vs. Wolverines: More Than Just a Game

This year’s edition of The Game carries more weight than usual – and that’s saying something. Both teams are still in the hunt for the Big Ten title, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

If Ohio State beats Michigan, it’s likely headed into the Big Ten Championship as the No. 1-ranked team in the country. On the other side, Michigan, sitting at 9-2 (7-1 in Big Ten play), still has a path to Indianapolis as well – but it runs directly through the Buckeyes.

Thanks to USC’s loss to Oregon, the door is cracked open for the Wolverines. A home win over Ohio State could vault them into the conference title game. That’s why this game isn’t just about bragging rights – it’s a potential CFP eliminator.

Vegas sees it one way: Ohio State is an 11.5-point road favorite. ESPN Analytics gives the Buckeyes a 78.2% chance to win in Ann Arbor.

But numbers can only tell you so much. Rivalry games have a way of flipping the script.

And when these two teams meet, history shows that anything can happen.

Smith’s Return Could Tip the Scales

Smith’s return to the lineup could be the X-factor Ohio State needs to stay perfect. His presence opens up the field, forces defensive adjustments, and gives quarterback Kyle McCord a dynamic weapon on the perimeter. Whether it’s stretching the field vertically or making contested catches over the middle, Smith adds a layer of explosiveness that’s tough to replicate.

Ohio State’s offense has been humming, but Smith gives it another gear – and against a Michigan team that’s desperate to get back in the win column in this rivalry, that gear could be the difference.

So yes, Jeremiah Smith is expected to play. And yes, it matters – a lot.

Because this isn’t just about one player returning from injury. It’s about one of college football’s best talents stepping into the spotlight for the biggest game of the year.

And if Smith has anything to say about it, order will be restored in Columbus.