Just minutes after Ohio State’s crushing Big Ten Championship defeat, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith stepped forward with a statement that instantly cut through the noise surrounding quarterback Julian Sayin. In an era dominated by instant reactions and relentless criticism, Smith’s words landed with unusual force and clarity. They weren’t polished clichés, but an emotional defense of a teammate he believes is being unfairly targeted.

Smith did not hesitate to call the backlash against Sayin “a crime against football,” framing it as a betrayal of the values the sport claims to uphold. He emphasized that criticism has crossed the line from analysis into cruelty, especially considering the pressure Sayin has carried all season. According to Smith, Sayin has shouldered not just expectations, but the emotional weight of an entire program.

The Big Ten Championship loss was undeniably painful for Ohio State fans, players, and coaches alike. Emotions ran high, and disappointment quickly turned into blame in the public conversation. For Smith, that reaction ignored the reality of how demanding the quarterback position is at the highest level of college football.

Julian Sayin, still early in his career, has been thrust into a spotlight few players are prepared for. Week after week, he has faced elite defenses, intense media scrutiny, and the unforgiving expectations that come with wearing scarlet and gray. Smith argued that instead of tearing him down, fans should recognize the courage it takes to lead under those conditions.

Inside the locker room, Smith’s words reflected a deeper belief shared by many on the team. Players see the hours Sayin spends preparing, the hits he absorbs, and the accountability he accepts when things go wrong. To them, his commitment and resilience define leadership more than any single result.

Smith’s most powerful message was about the future, not the loss. He described Sayin as the future of Ohio State football, a player capable of growth, redemption, and greatness if given support instead of scorn. In a sport often defined by instant judgment, Smith’s defense served as a reminder that development, loyalty, and respect still matter.

As the Buckeyes turn the page on a painful chapter, Smith’s statement may resonate longer than the loss itself. It challenged fans to reflect on how they treat young athletes under immense pressure. And in doing so, it reframed Julian Sayin not as a scapegoat, but as a cornerstone of what comes next for Ohio State.