The Ohio State Buckeyes aim for the national championship as favorites in the 2026 season. This follows a previous season where they remained undefeated during the regular period but stumbled in key games. The Buckeyes faced a narrow 13-10 defeat against the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship. This loss was followed by a 24-14 setback at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes during the Cotton Bowl.

The Buckeyes concluded their season on a two-game losing streak, casting a shadow on their earlier success. Jeremiah Smith, the team’s star wide receiver, is particularly determined to change the narrative this year.

A Personal Mission for Smith

Smith, originally from Miami Gardens, feels a personal loss over the Cotton Bowl defeat. The reminder of this defeat is constant whenever he returns home. During an interview on the “Cover 3 Podcast,” Bud Elliot asked about the Buckeyes’ plans for a “revenge tour.” Smith was clear about his target.

“Gotta be the hometown team, Miami. Gotta be,” he stated, as he recalled the frequent reminders of that loss. “I heard it a lot every time I went back home. Gotta be Miami. Gots to.”

Despite the team’s loss, Smith’s performance in the game was commendable. He caught seven passes for 157 yards and scored a touchdown. Unfortunately, two interceptions by quarterback Julian Sayin, one resulting in a 72-yard return for a touchdown, were pivotal in Ohio State’s unexpected defeat, despite entering as 9.5-point favorites.

Loyalty to Ohio State

Smith remains committed to Ohio State, choosing to stay in Columbus despite lucrative offers elsewhere. “I always wanted to be at Ohio State,” he commented. “It would be dumb for me to leave Ohio State and go to another team when I have the best offensive line in the country, the best quarterback in the country, the best coaches in the country.”

Smith anticipates that this season will be his last playing for Ohio State, as he’s expected to be a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. But for now, his focus is clear: leading his team to victory and seeking retribution for past defeats.