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Jeremiah Smith Breaks OSU Receiving Record in 42-19 Win

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 2:22 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jeremiah Smith Sets Record

Jeremiah Smith became Ohio State’s all-time leading receiver, passing 3,000 career yards against Illinois.
He recorded 217 yards and four touchdowns, tying the school single-game touchdown record held by five Buckeyes.
The performance moved Smith into second place on Ohio State’s career touchdown-catch list, one behind Chris Olave.
Coach Ryan Day called Smith the best player in the country, enhancing his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

Summary

Ohio State Defeats Illinois

Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Illinois Fighting Illini 42-19 at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 26, 2026.
Ohio State defensive line recorded three sacks on Illinois quarterback Katin Houser.
Ohio State recorded 12 pass breakups during the game.
Illinois receivers had 12 passes deflected and no interceptions.
Illinois' Hudson Clement led with five receptions for 87 yards.

History

Historical Context

Ohio State’s 2006 season, led by Heisman-winner Troy Smith and coach Jim Tressel, produced a 12-0 regular-season run and a 91.6% Heisman vote margin, establishing a legacy of elite quarterbacks. In 2026, wide-out Jeremiah Smith’s 217-yard, four-touchdown performance against Illinois echoed that tradition, prompting coach Ryan Day to cite the program’s historic recruiting advantage.

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Jeremiah Smith Sets Record

Jeremiah Smith became Ohio State’s all-time leading receiver, passing 3,000 career yards against Illinois.
He recorded 217 yards and four touchdowns, tying the school single-game touchdown record held by five Buckeyes.
The performance moved Smith into second place on Ohio State’s career touchdown-catch list, one behind Chris Olave.
Coach Ryan Day called Smith the best player in the country, enhancing his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

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