Ryan Day expects Jeremiah Smith to be wired for matchup with Miami in CFP

It’s said that big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games. That was already the expectation, and will be more so based on the matchup and history with this specific opponent, for Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith in his second appearance in as many seasons in the College Football Playoff.

Ryan Day discussed Smith going into their playoff quarterfinal against Miami, as the Buckeyes won out in his recruitment out of high school over the Hurricanes, during his press conference for the Cotton Bowl on Monday. He said his star receiver, as well as several other players on both teams, should be pretty juiced for this one considering the relations between the two.

“Well, he’s, you know – he’ll be wired this week. That’s for sure, man. He’s going to be fired up,” said Day. “I mean, you know, these guys? You know, they know a lot of the players on the other team, and, you know, we got a lot of guys on their team that we recruited. So, it’s going to be great.”

After committing to the program in December of 2022, Smith officially signed with Ohio State, after late pushes for flips, namely from Miami, on December 20th, 2023 on National Signing Day. He did so as the No. 1 overall recruit and a Five-Star+ prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to Rivals’ Industry Ranking.

That signature has gone on to be as massive as many thought, as Smith has become a star through two seasons in Columbus. He has posted 156 receptions for 2,401 yards, averaging 85.8 per game and 15.4 per receptions, and 26 receiving scores so far while an underclassman with the Buckeyes.

“It’s one of those things when you have an opportunity to coach somebody like Jeremiah? You know, it’s special because we knew in high school what he was. And, you know, everything that we talked about in recruiting, you’re seeing happen. And I think that’s the most important thing when you say you’re going to do something for somebody, and they’re going to come in and they say that they’re going to do it at your school, and that all comes together as one,” said Day. “It’s testimony, and he’s done it. And he and his family are special, and they mean a lot to this program.”

This one is going to be big regardless, as Ohio State, led by returners like him, are trying to repeat as national champions in the CFP. It’ll be even more so for Smith, though, as the Hollywood, Florida native plays his hometown program in the Cotton Bowl come New Year’s Eve.

“I know this game will be important to him,” said Day.