Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith becomes Heisman favorite after record-tying game
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is now the favorite for the Heisman Trophy following a historic performance against Illinois. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Illini 42-19 on Saturday, a contest in which Smith tied the Ohio State single-game touchdown record with four scores.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is now the favorite for the Heisman Trophy following a historic performance against Illinois. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Illini 42-19 on Saturday, a contest in which Smith tied the Ohio State single-game touchdown record with four scores.
Smith finished the game with 217 receiving yards, becoming only the second Ohio State receiver to achieve both 200-plus yards and four touchdown receptions in a single game. His performance solidified his status as the nation's top wide receiver, prompting him to leapfrog Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and Miami quarterback Darian Mensah in the Heisman odds.
The victory extends Ohio State's recent momentum. The Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 101-22 in their two games since an upset loss to Texas. The team faces its next significant challenge on Saturday, October 3, against the Iowa Hawkeyes, a matchup described as their biggest test since the defeat to Texas.
Filed by the newsroom of MarketPR on September 26, 2026. Source: foxnews.com. Indicative figures are not investment advice.