The No. 14-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes will have their hands fuill this coming Saturday, as they will be hosting the No. 5-ranked Ohio State football at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
The Hawkeyes are undefeated so far, winning all of their first four games, including last weeke's 29-19 stunner against the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor.
But Ohio State is a different best that Kirk Ferentz's team will look to tame. Needless to say, Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith poses a huge threat to Iowa's defense, and that was underscored by the Hawkeyes head coach, with Ferentz comparing the junior wideoout to Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (h/t David Eickholt of 247 Sports).
“They're just different, they're at a different level. … Sometimes he'll make a play against perfect coverage,” Ferentz said.
Article Continues BelowEickholt added that Ferentz noted Moss did the same thing during the legendary NFL wide receiver's time with the New England Patriots, leaving Iowa secondary coach shrugging.
Smith has been spectacular in the 2026 college football season. He is coming off an incredible performance in a 42-19 Ohio State victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, recording an eye-popping total of 217 receiving yards and four toufchdowns on 12 receptions. It was the first time in Ohio State football history that a Buckeye had at least 10 receptions, 200 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the same game.
Smith is headache to deal with for opposing defenses, but he can also expect a tough challenge against Iowa's secondary. The Hawkeyes are allowing just 168.7 passing yards per game.
Ohio State will enter the Iowa game with a 3-1 overall record.