Jeremiah Smith’s Heisman Case Strengthens In Ohio State’s Win Over Illinois

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under the direction of head coach Matt Patricia, faced off against the Illinois Fighting Illini in their first Big Ten matchup of the 2026 season. While Ohio State entered the game as a four-touchdown favorite, they were unable to secure the victory, marking their first loss of the season. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith played a crucial role in Ohio State's efforts, amassing 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns, surpassing previous records and bringing him closer to the Ohio State triple crown.

Smith's performance raised questions about the team's overall success, but cornerback Julian Sayin stepped up with 272 passing yards and three touchdowns, primarily targeting Smith. Sayin's dual-threat capabilities were highlighted, as he ran for 26 yards and a touchdown. The game highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the run defense, as Illinois averaged 6.5 yards per carry, compared to Ohio State's 4.0.

Defensive end Katin Houser, who pressured the Illini quarterback, finished with 263 passing yards and a touchdown. Ohio State's offense struggled without key contributors, but the team's resilience was evident as they continued to progress towards their goals.