Jeremiah Smith Shatters Records as Ohio State Dominates Oregon in the Rose Bowl

The 2025 Rose Bowl became a night to remember for Ohio State’s rising star, Jeremiah Smith. The freshman sensation delivered a historic performance in the Buckeyes’ 41-21 victory over the top-seeded Oregon Ducks, leaving fans and analysts in awe of his talent.

Smith’s record-breaking performance was nothing short of extraordinary. With seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, he showcased his unmatched skills, breaking multiple records along the way. His contribution was instrumental in Ohio State’s commanding 34-0 lead over Oregon by halftime, firmly setting the tone for the game.

A Record-Setting Performance

Jeremiah Smith didn’t just make an impact; he rewrote history books. In this standout Rose Bowl performance, he set a new Ohio State freshman record for most receiving yards in a single game. Additionally, his 14 touchdown catches for the season broke the Big Ten freshman record, solidifying his place as one of the most promising players in college football.

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The game started explosively for the Buckeyes. Just 51 seconds in, quarterback Will Howard connected with Smith for a spectacular 45-yard touchdown. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, as they linked up for two more game-defining plays in the first quarter, gaining 29 and 32 yards respectively. The crowning moment came when Smith hauled in a 43-yard touchdown pass, showcasing his speed and precision to put Ohio State ahead 24-0 early in the second quarter.

A Season to Remember

Smith’s record-breaking performance in the Rose Bowl was the culmination of a historic freshman season. Entering the game, he had already tallied 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns. With his latest exploits, Smith surpassed legendary Buckeye Cris Carter’s freshman reception record, a milestone that stood for decades.

Jeremiah Smith’s explosive abilities place him in elite company. He became just the fifth player in College Football Playoff history to record 175 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a single game. The last player to achieve such a feat was Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith for Alabama in 2020.

A Tradition of Excellence

Ohio State’s legacy of producing elite wide receivers was on full display once again. Smith’s incredible Rose Bowl performance followed in the footsteps of other Buckeye greats, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. In the 2022 Rose Bowl, Smith-Njigba delivered a record-breaking 347-yard performance with three touchdowns, while Harrison capped his freshman campaign with three touchdown grabs in the same game.

Jeremiah Smith’s emergence as a freshman phenom highlights Ohio State’s deep talent pool and its ability to develop game-changing athletes. With his unique combination of speed, agility, and precision, Smith has quickly become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ offense.

Looking Ahead

As the Buckeyes celebrate their Rose Bowl victory, the future looks bright with Jeremiah Smith leading the charge. With his record-breaking freshman season now etched in history, the expectations for his sophomore campaign are sky-high. For fans and teammates alike, Smith represents the next great chapter in Ohio State’s storied football program.

In a game that showcased talent, determination, and dominance, Jeremiah Smith’s performance in the 2025 Rose Bowl will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season—and perhaps a glimpse into the future of college football greatness.