Jeremiah Smith Silences Critics After Record-Setting Iowa Performance
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a historic performance against Iowa on Saturday, catching eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown while breaking multiple program records. The showing was so dominant that it prompted a public apology from a college football legend who had previously questioned Smith's status as the nation's best player.
Smith's 57-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter broke Ohio State's all-time career receiving touchdown record. He finished the game with 206 total receiving yards, continuing what has become a season of unprecedented production for the Buckeyes star.
SEC Legend Admits He Was Wrong About Smith
David Pollack, the former Georgia All-American and ESPN analyst, apologized on Bleacher Report's October 6 podcast for his earlier criticism of Smith. Pollack had previously argued that Texas receiver Cam Coleman was the better all-around player.
I apologize, I was wrong. You were right; everyone else is smart. I'm stupid. He's the best player in college football. It's very clear he put up another 200 now.
Pollack's original argument centered on Coleman's complete game. But Smith's production this season has made that comparison difficult to defend.
Smith's Record-Breaking Season Continues
The Ohio State receiver has spent the first five games of the season rewriting the program's record book. Against Iowa, Smith passed Emeka Egbuka for the most catches in school history and moved ahead of Michael Jenkins for career receiving yards.
He also surpassed Chris Olave for the program's career touchdown record. His 36th touchdown came on the 57-yard pass from quarterback Julian Sayin, and his next catch broke the receptions record.
Smith entered the Iowa game with 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdown receptions through his first two seasons, numbers that already ranked first nationally among players during that span. He had previously posted a 217-yard, four-touchdown performance against Illinois on September 26.
Versatility Creates Matchup Nightmares
Ohio State has moved Smith around the formation, lining him up outside and in the slot. Iowa had no answer regardless of where the Buckeyes placed him.
Okay, the superhuman mutant moved all over the field. He's done a little bit of everything. I'm one of the people that, when you continue to talk about somebody all the time. He's that good. It's warranted.
Smith showed no hesitation in acknowledging his own performance. After the win, he said he believed he was the best player in the country and celebrated his long touchdown with a Heisman pose.
How Cam Coleman Compares at Texas
Coleman arrived at Texas as the No. 1 overall player in the transfer portal after two productive seasons at Auburn. But through four games, he has been more of a big-play option than a weekly centerpiece.
Coleman has caught 12 passes for 208 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per catch. He has been targeted only 20 times, an average of five per game. Against Iowa, he finished with four catches for 49 yards while Smith posted eight catches for 164 yards and a touchdown.
Texas won the game 24-23 after Arch Manning led a fourth-quarter comeback. Coleman's smaller role is partly explained by the Longhorns' depth at receiver, with Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V also commanding targets.
But the comparison remains stark. Ohio State continues to feed Smith until defenses find a way to slow him down. Texas has not given Coleman the same opportunity.
What This Means for the Heisman Race
Smith's production through five games has made him a leading candidate for college football's most prestigious individual award. His combination of volume, efficiency, and big-play ability has separated him from every other receiver in the country.
With more than half the season remaining, Smith has already secured his place in Ohio State history. The question now is whether any defense can find a way to contain him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What records did Jeremiah Smith break against Iowa?
Smith broke Ohio State's career receiving touchdown record, career receptions record, and career receiving yards record during the game against Iowa.
Why did David Pollack apologize to Jeremiah Smith?
Pollack apologized after previously arguing that Texas receiver Cam Coleman was a better all-around player than Smith. Smith's record-setting performance against Iowa prompted Pollack to publicly admit he was wrong.
How many receiving yards does Jeremiah Smith have this season?
Smith has accumulated 206 receiving yards against Iowa and 217 yards against Illinois, making him the most productive receiver in college football through the first five games of the season.