Jeremiah Smith Has Broken Ohio State Receptions Record
The star wide receiver surpassed the career mark during a third-quarter performance against Iowa.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should college teams prioritize developing young talent over retaining veteran records?
Jeremiah Smith established a new Ohio State record for most career receptions, eclipsing the previous mark set by Emeka Egbuka. He secured the milestone during a game against Iowa in Columbus.
Why it matters
Smith's achievement marks a significant transition for the Buckeyes' offense, highlighting the passing of the torch from Egbuka, who acted as a mentor to Smith during his freshman year.
Emeka Egbuka closed his tenure with 205 catches, 2,868 yards, and 24 touchdowns. Alongside Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr., he is one of only three players in school history with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
The players
Jeremiah Smith
He is an elite wide receiver for Ohio State who has set new program records for career receptions.
Emeka Egbuka
He is a former star wide receiver for Ohio State who mentored Smith and previously held the school record for receptions.
K.J. Hill
He is a former Ohio State wide receiver who held the program career receptions record before breaking it in 2019.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
He is a standout former Ohio State wide receiver known for his multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
The details
Smith broke the record in the third quarter of a matchup against Iowa. His rise follows the legacy of former receiver Emeka Egbuka, who returned for a fourth year to bridge the gap between veteran and incoming talent.
Timeline
K.J. Hill broke the record in 2019.
Emeka Egbuka set the record in 2024.
Ohio State secured a national title on January 20, 2025.
Jeremiah Smith broke the record on October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This milestone cements the current receiving corps as one of the most productive in modern school history. The performance builds on the championship momentum of the 2025 season, solidifying Ohio State's competitive standing.
Smith's new record confirms his status as the primary target in the Buckeyes' passing attack for the remainder of the season. His continued production will be central to the team's ability to maintain high-scoring offensive output.
The takeaway
Smith reaching this milestone underscores the effectiveness of the mentorship model implemented within the Ohio State wide receiver room. Future recruits can look to the progression of players like Egbuka and Smith as a blueprint for rapid development in the program.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing progress, visit Football.
Live Poll
Should college teams prioritize developing young talent over retaining veteran records?
