Jeremiah Smith Recorded Three Touchdowns Against Illinois
The standout receiver dominated the first half to secure 150 yards in the recent victory.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith tallied eight receptions for 150 yards and three touchdowns in his performance against Illinois. The explosive outing brings his total to six touchdown receptions through just 3.5 games this season.
Why it matters
Smith's early-season dominance has rapidly elevated his status as a legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy. His ability to produce record-setting yardage puts him on an historic pace for a collegiate wide receiver.
Jeremiah Smith currently holds +500 odds to win the Heisman Trophy after his latest three-touchdown game. He is tracking toward an estimated 2,000 receiving yards over the course of the full season.
The players
Jeremiah Smith
He is a collegiate wide receiver known for his elite production and high-profile status in early-season Heisman Trophy discussions.
DeVonta Smith
He is a former college football star who set a precedent for wide receivers by winning the Heisman Trophy in 2020.
The details
Smith secured all three of his touchdown catches during the first half of the contest, proving instrumental in the offensive output against Illinois. This performance reinforces his role as a primary target in the passing game as he continues to surpass expectations in his debut campaign.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Jeremiah Smith played against Illinois.
2020: DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy.
Season Trajectory
Jeremiah Smith is mirroring the rare historical success seen when DeVonta Smith won the 2020 Heisman Trophy. His performance forces an immediate re-evaluation of how collegiate wide receivers are positioned in the national Heisman race.
Smith's three-touchdown game significantly boosts his fantasy football value and solidifies his position as a weekly starter in any format. His 150-yard output provides a major lift for those betting on his +500 Heisman Trophy odds.
The takeaway
Smith's consistency in the first half of games makes him a primary focus for opposing defensive coordinators moving forward. Fans should monitor his target share in upcoming games to see if he can maintain his current 2,000-yard season pace.
Further reading
For more on the team, visit the Football section.
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