Sayin and Smith Earned National Honors
Ohio State stars received recognition following their standout performances against Illinois.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball
Ohio State players Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin have secured national honors after leading their team to a 42-19 victory over Illinois. Smith was named the Associated Press national player of the week, while Sayin earned recognition as a Manning Award Star of the Week.
Why it matters
These individual accolades highlight the dominant offensive production from key Buckeyes players who have become central to the team's success this season. The performance underscores the depth and talent within the program's current roster.
Jeremiah Smith recorded 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns against Illinois, while Julian Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards and four scores. Smith currently leads the nation with 617 receiving yards on the season.
The players
Jeremiah Smith
He is an Ohio State wide receiver who leads the nation in receiving yards and recently set a school record for touchdowns in a game.
Julian Sayin
He is an Ohio State quarterback who received Manning Award honors following a four-touchdown performance against Illinois.
Quincy Porter
He is a former Ohio State receiver who is set to undergo season-ending surgery following injury struggles.
The details
Jeremiah Smith tied the Ohio State program record for touchdown receptions in a single game after recording 123 receiving yards in the first quarter alone. Quarterback Julian Sayin contributed to the offensive explosion by adding one rushing touchdown to his four passing scores during the victory.
Timeline
Ohio State played Illinois on September 26, 2026.
Quincy Porter faced an injury-plagued 2025 season.
Quincy Porter is expected to return to the field in 2027.
Season Trajectory
These performances solidify the current offensive momentum for Ohio State as they navigate the conference schedule. While the team celebrates this productivity, the loss of Quincy Porter for the remainder of the season creates a significant void in the receiving corps.
Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin have emerged as elite options for fantasy rosters given their high yardage and touchdown totals. Fans and analysts will now look to see how the offensive scheme adjusts to the season-ending absence of Quincy Porter.
The takeaway
The rise of young stars like Smith and Sayin serves as a critical indicator of the offensive ceiling for the team this season. Implementing effective depth strategies will be essential for the staff following the confirmation of Porter's long-term medical absence.
Further reading
For more on local sports achievements, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
