Jeremiah Smith entered Ohio State's showdown against USC with the kind of expectations reserved for college football's most electrifying playmakers. The Buckeyes needed their superstar wide receiver to deliver another statement performance. However, the Trojans had other plans. USC pulled off a stunning 30-18 upset. They frustrating Ohio State football's passing attack and limited Smith's ability to produce explosive plays. The result immediately raises questions about Smith's Heisman Trophy prospects. That's particularly true with the Buckeyes suffering a damaging defeat in the national spotlight.
His performance deserves scrutiny, and the timing certainly complicates his candidacy. However, one difficult road game should not erase an otherwise impressive body of work. Smith still has opportunities to strengthen his resume. his response over the coming weeks could determine how seriously voters consider his name.
Quiet performance
Smith's performance against USC deserves a closer examination. He finished with 10 receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown. That still gave him double-digit catches in a game where Ohio State struggled to establish its offensive rhythm. His fourth-quarter touchdown came with 2:12 remaining. It cut the deficit to nine points and provided a late highlight for an otherwise frustrating evening.
Smith also reached an important career milestone. He caught his 40th touchdown pass to establish a new Big Ten career receiving touchdowns record. That accomplishment reinforces his remarkable consistency and his ability to produce against elite competition.
Still, the USC game exposed a potential problem for his Heisman campaign. Smith needs opportunities to produce the explosive numbers that separate exceptional receivers from legitimate award favorites.
The Trojans consistently deployed bracket coverage and maintained disciplined leverage. They forced Ohio State to work underneath. Smith averaged just 8.3 yards per reception. His longest catch covered 27 yards. USC successfully limited his opportunities to generate game-changing plays downfield.
The circumstances surrounding Ohio State's offense also deserve consideration. Luke Fahey made his first career start. He stepped in for injured quarterback Julian Sayin. Establishing chemistry with a new starting quarterback against a disciplined USC defense was always going to present challenges.
Heisman stock
Smith's Heisman stock has consequently taken a hit. According to betting odds reported after the USC defeat, he slipped to third in the race at +340. He sits behind Miami's Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney. That movement reflects how quickly the national conversation can change following a high-profile loss.
However, the race remains open. Smith's production, career accomplishments, and ability to attract defensive attention give him a compelling foundation. His candidacy needs another signature performance, though. The remaining schedule offers several opportunities.
Road to redemption
Ohio State football returns home for a massive November 7 showdown against Oregon. That should give Smith an immediate opportunity to regain momentum. The Ducks represent precisely the kind of high-profile opponent against whom he can strengthen his national reputation.
Head coach Ryan Day must find creative ways to free Smith from constant double coverage. Motion, bunch formations, pre-snap alignments, and intermediate passing concepts could help. Getting Smith involved early would also force opposing defenses to reconsider how aggressively they commit resources to stopping him.
The quarterback situation will remain important. Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown against USC. Any additional preparation with the starting offense should help him develop greater confidence. Ohio State also needs to maintain its rushing attack. That produced 193 combined yards from Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. A credible ground game would make it harder for opponents to devote multiple defenders exclusively to Smith.
There is still plenty of football ahead. After Oregon, Ohio State faces Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan. Those provide Smith with multiple opportunities to deliver memorable performances before the postseason.
Article Continues BelowThe Buckeyes need those performances as well. Sitting at 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Big Ten play, Ohio State has little room for additional mistakes in its pursuit of a conference championship and College Football Playoff position.
Dream is still alive
Smith's quiet outing against USC has undoubtedly complicated his Heisman Trophy campaign. The loss damaged Ohio State's national standing. His production also fell short of the explosive performance voters have come to expect.
Smith's candidacy remains very much alive, though. Ten receptions, 83 yards, and a touchdown still demonstrate his importance to the Buckeyes. His Big Ten career receiving touchdowns record further strengthens an already impressive résumé.
The Oregon showdown offers the perfect opportunity to change the narrative. If Smith delivers a dominant performance in Columbus, the Heisman conversation could swing back in his favor. One disappointing night in Los Angeles has created a challenge. How Smith responds could define the rest of his 2026 campaign.