The Cotton Bowl was supposed to be a heavyweight clash between two of college football's elite programs. Instead, it turned into a one-man highlight reel, with Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith turning in a performance that has the college football world buzzing. What was expected to be a tight, back-and-forth battle like last year's classic has become a showcase for the Buckeyes' superstar wideout.
Smith was unstoppable from the opening whistle, hauling in six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone—more total offense than the entire Texas Longhorns team managed. By midway through the third quarter, he had pushed his receiving total to 164 yards on eight catches, leaving defenders grasping at air and fans scrambling for their phones.
The numbers are staggering, but it's the manner in which Smith is compiling them that has people talking. He's not just beating coverage; he's embarrassing it. Every route, every catch, every yard seems to carry an air of inevitability. He is now on the verge of surpassing Michael Jenkins as Ohio State's all-time receiving yards leader, a record that has stood for over a decade.
Social media has erupted with fans making one thing crystal clear: Jeremiah Smith is the best player in the country, and the Heisman Trophy should be his. "In four quarters of football this season, Jeremiah Smith 14 receptions for 261 yards and three TDs. When you're the best player in the country, you should win the Heisman. This is the best player in the country," one fan posted on X.
Another user echoed the sentiment, writing, "Idc who wins the Heisman Jeremiah Smith is the best player in CFB." The chorus of praise continued, with one fan declaring, "Heisman done in week 2. It's only going to get ridiculous the rest of the year. Charlie Becker is the only one that comes close to Jeremiah Smith in terms of catch/td ratio and incredible catches."
Smith's journey to this moment has been meteoric. As a freshman, he was a key contributor on a national championship team. As a sophomore, he established himself as one of the nation's elite. Now, as a junior, he's not just one of the best receivers in college football—he's staking a claim as one of the best to ever play the position at this level.
His performance in Arlington is just the latest chapter in a season that has been defined by jaw-dropping plays and record-breaking numbers. It's reminiscent of the early-season Heisman statement from Miami's Malachi Toney, but Smith's sustained dominance has elevated him to a different stratosphere.
The last time a wide receiver was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft was 30 years ago. If there's anyone who could break that drought, it's Jeremiah Smith. His combination of size, speed, and hands is a rare blend that scouts dream about. But for now, his focus is on leading the Buckeyes to another national title and, if the fans have their way, hoisting the Heisman Trophy.
As the game continues, Smith's numbers keep climbing, and the conversation keeps growing. Is it too early to call the Heisman race? According to the fans in Arlington and on social media, the answer is a resounding no. Jeremiah Smith has cemented his case, and the rest of the country is just catching up.
