Full Breakdown
Jeremiah Smith Shines in Ohio State's Dominant Victory Over Grambling State
9/7/2025, 1:24:01 PM
Ohio State's Historic Performance
The Ohio State Buckeyes showcased their prowess in a commanding 70-0 victory over Grambling State on September 6, 2025. This win marked Ohio State's first game as the top-ranked team in the AP Top 25 since 2015 and was characterized by a record-breaking performance from sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin. Smith caught five passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, including an 87-yard reception that set the record for the longest pass play in Ohio Stadium history.
Key Highlights from the Game
Julian Sayin, in just his second start, completed 18 of 19 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns, establishing a new school record for consecutive completions to start a game with 16. The Buckeyes scored on eight of their first nine possessions, demonstrating their offensive dominance throughout the match. Smith's 87-yard touchdown reception not only highlighted his speed and skill but also tied for the third-longest play from scrimmage in Ohio State history.
Jeremiah Smith's Rising Stardom
Jeremiah Smith, who was the No. 1 recruit in the country when he joined Ohio State, has quickly become a standout player. In his freshman season, he recorded 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, contributing significantly to Ohio State's national championship victory. Following a less impactful performance against Texas in the season opener, where he caught six passes for 43 yards, Smith rebounded impressively against Grambling State, solidifying his reputation as one of college football's elite wide receivers.
Praise from Coaches and Analysts
Grambling State head coach Mickey Joseph, a former wide receivers coach at LSU, praised Smith's abilities, comparing him to NFL star Ja'Marr Chase. Joseph acknowledged the talent disparity between the two teams, stating, "They're a really good football team over there. I'm sure they're going to be playing after January." He emphasized the challenges faced by his team due to the significant funding and talent differences, noting that Ohio State's roster benefits from approximately $35 million in revenue sharing and NIL money.
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the importance of explosive plays and tempo. He remarked, "I thought Julian really had some accurate throws, the ball came out on time, and the spacing, timing, and protection was good." Day acknowledged the talent gap but also commended Grambling State for their effort throughout the game.
What's Next for Ohio State
Following this decisive victory, the Buckeyes will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against Ohio University on September 13, 2025. With Smith and Sayin leading the charge, Ohio State aims to continue its pursuit of another national championship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He could’ve played for me at LSU. He could’ve been in that lineup.” — Mickey Joseph, Head Coach, Grambling State
- “I don’t think I’ve done that before, but I think it’s just, when you get those completions kind of racking up, it builds confidence and the energy from the other players in the offense, when they start seeing you moving the ball down the field like that,” — Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State
- “They're a really good football team over there. I'm sure they're going to be playing after January. I know what they look like. I won one at LSU, so I know what they look like.” — Mickey Joseph, Head Coach, Grambling State
This performance not only highlights the potential of Jeremiah Smith but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
