Full Breakdown
Ohio State's Wide Receiver Injury Concerns Ahead of Rutgers Game
11/22/2025, 9:13:03 PM
Key Injuries Impacting Ohio State's Offense
Ohio State football will be without its top wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, for their Week 13 matchup against Rutgers on November 22, 2025. Both players have been dealing with injuries, leading to their absence from the game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Smith, who has recorded 902 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season, will miss his first full game of his career. Tate, with 711 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, will miss his third consecutive game due to an undisclosed lower-body injury.
Injury Details and Team Response
Jeremiah Smith's injury occurred during the second quarter of Ohio State's previous game against UCLA, where he was seen limping on the sidelines. Despite being considered day-to-day, he was ultimately ruled out for the Rutgers game. Carnell Tate was a late scratch in the November 8 game against Purdue after feeling discomfort during warmups. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has not disclosed the specifics of either player's injuries but has emphasized that both are dealing with short-term issues. “They’re working hard to get back on the field,” Day stated on November 19.
Implications for Upcoming Games
The absence of Smith and Tate raises concerns for Ohio State as they prepare for their rivalry game against Michigan the following week. Ohio State is currently a 31.5-point favorite against Rutgers, but the focus is shifting towards the crucial matchup against Michigan, where the Buckeyes aim to end a four-game losing streak. If Smith and Tate are unable to play against Michigan, the team will rely on second-team receivers Brandon Inniss, Mylan Graham, and Bryson Rodgers to step up in a high-stakes situation.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Ryan Day has reiterated the team's commitment to getting Smith and Tate healthy for the Michigan game. He has been cautious in providing updates, likely to avoid revealing too much about the players' conditions before the rivalry game. Day's approach reflects the urgency of the situation, as Ohio State seeks to maintain its momentum heading into the Big Ten Championship.
Criticism & Opposition
While the coaching staff remains optimistic about the players' recovery, there is growing concern among fans regarding the potential impact of these injuries on the team's performance. Social media discussions have speculated about the severity of Tate's condition, with some questioning whether he might have played his last game for Ohio State. However, teammates like Brandon Inniss have reassured fans, stating, “They will be fine.”
What's Next
As Ohio State prepares for the Rutgers game, clarity on the status of Smith and Tate is expected to emerge in the days leading up to the Michigan game. The availability report for that game will be released on Saturday morning, and Day will address the media on Tuesday and Wednesday, although substantial updates may be limited. The Buckeyes are focused on ensuring their star receivers are ready for a potential Big Ten title matchup against second-ranked Indiana.
