Against Illinois, Ohio State coach Ryan Day put his trust in starting QB Julian Sayin. He also had the utmost trust that elite WR Jeremiah Smith would do what he does best.
In the first half on Saturday, Sayin and Smith put on an offensive clinic. Saying threw for over 272 passing yards and had a 7-yard rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Smith caught 8 receptions and scored three touchdowns of his own.
After the first half, Fox College Football sideline reporter Jenny Taft caught up with Day, who was beyond excited at what he saw, per Fox College Football. When asked who he thought was the highlight, Sayin or Smith, he replied:
“Can I actually tell you both?”
Article Continues BelowWhat was the highlight of that dominant @OhioStateFB first half?@JennyTaft caught up with HC Ryan Day to get his thoughts on his QB1 and WR1 pic.twitter.com/R4xLHTswKC
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 26, 2026
At the end of the first half, Ohio State led Illinois 38-10. They pulled off a 42-19 victory to go 2-1.
The Buckeyes came into the game still stung by a historic comeback defeat to No. 1 Texas, losing their spot as the nation's top team. However, before their home crowd at Columbus against a Big Ten rival, they showed they were still a top-tier program.
Altogether, Sayin finished with 27 out of 36 pass completions for 367 passing yards. He also added four touchdowns. Smith finished with 217 receiving yards on 12 receptions and 4 touchdowns. Not to be outdone, RB Ja'Kobi Jackson came away with 56 rushing yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
It was also Ohio State's first conference win of the 2026-27 season. On Saturday, Oct. 3, they will hit the road to play the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.