Jeremiah Smith's Iowa Domination Makes Heisman Case Impossible to Ignore
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a performance against Iowa last weekend that should end any debate about college football's most outstanding player. The Buckeyes' star hauled in 11 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns against a Hawkeyes defense that ranked among the nation's best, cementing his status as the clear frontrunner for the 2026 Heisman Trophy.
Through five games, Smith has 44 receptions for 823 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers already surpass the production of DeVonta Smith during his 2020 Heisman-winning campaign, when the Alabama star posted 556 yards and four scores through the same point in the season.
What Makes Jeremiah Smith Different From Past Heisman Winners
Ohio State coach Ryan Day offered a simple explanation for why Smith presents such a unique challenge to opposing defenses.
If Smith is single-covered, he's open. If he's double-covered, he's sort of open. If he's triple-covered, he's covered. Somebody's gotta be open somewhere else.
Day's assessment carries weight. Smith routinely wins contested catches against multiple defenders, making him the rare receiver who demands attention before the snap and still produces after the ball is in the air.
His impact extends beyond statistics. Smith's arrival in Columbus helped propel the Buckeyes to the 2024 national championship, and he made the game-clinching catch against Notre Dame in the title game.
Iowa Saw Smith's Best Performance of the Season
The Iowa game showcased Smith at his most dominant. The Hawkeyes entered the matchup with one of the country's top scoring defenses, yet had no answer for the 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver from Miami Gardens, Florida.
Smith's 206-yard performance against Iowa marked his second consecutive game exceeding 150 receiving yards. He has now scored in every game this season and has multiple touchdown catches in three of Ohio State's five contests.
Smith's Numbers Stack Up Against the Best Ever
The comparison to DeVonta Smith grows more compelling each week. DeVonta Smith finished his 2020 Heisman season with 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in 13 games. Jeremiah Smith is on pace to surpass those totals while facing consistent double and triple coverage.
One caveat from that 2020 season: Jaylen Waddle was the more productive Alabama receiver before suffering a season-ending injury in late October. Jeremiah Smith faces no such competition for targets at Ohio State. Everyone knows he is the focal point of the Buckeyes' passing attack, and he still produces at an elite level.
Should Smith Have Won the Biletnikoff Award Last Year?
Smith's failure to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver last season remains a source of frustration for Ohio State supporters. A win this year would make him the award's only two-time recipient, a distinction that would further cement his legacy.
His Heisman case rests on undeniable production. Smith has been the best player in college football for two seasons, and his performance against Iowa provided the kind of signature moment voters typically seek.
If Smith does not win the Heisman this year, it will not be because he failed to earn it on the field. The voters who shape the sport's history will have to answer for overlooking one of the most dominant receivers the game has ever seen.
What's Next for Smith and Ohio State
Ohio State continues its pursuit of a second consecutive national championship with Smith leading the way. The Buckeyes' remaining schedule includes several ranked opponents, giving Smith more opportunities to strengthen his Heisman resume on the biggest stages.
For Iowa fans, the takeaway is simple: their team faced the best player in college football, and Smith proved why the trophy should already have his name on it.