{
  "id": 10700748,
  "title": "Ohio State football news: Nick Saban compares Jeremiah Smith to NFL legend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/ohio-state-football-news-nick-saban-compares-jeremiah-smith-to-nfl",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-29T13:48:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ohio-state-football-news-nick-134802106.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ohio State football star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been captivating the nation with his impressive performances for the Buckeyes. Following his college resume, Nick Saban, the Ohio State coach, couldn't help but draw a notable comparison when discussing Smith's potential. During a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, Saban praised Smith's Heisman Trophy prospects while drawing parallels between the young receiver and NFL legend Julio Jones, a former Alabama star whom Saban once considered a rare talent. In Saban's words, \"The Heisman is a tough one. But I will say this, he’s one of the most dominant players in college football. I mean, he really is that guy who is big and strong. I thought Julio Jones was kind of one of a kind. Back in the day, when we had him, but this guy reminds me of him in a lot of ways. And going to have a fantastic career. And he’s had a fantastic career as a college player.\" The latest of Smith's stellar performances came in a game against Illinois, where he contributed 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns, propelling the Buckeyes to a 42-19 victory. This showcased his ability to extend Ohio State's winning streak to 10 consecutive games against the Illini. Smith's performance earned him both AP National Player of the Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. Currently leading the nation in receiving yards with 617 and an impressive 154.3 yards per game, the 3-1 Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 3.",
  "summary": "Ohio State football star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has already captured the nation’s attention with his impressive performances for the Buckeyes . As his college resume continues to expand, his exceptional run has also earned high praise from Nick Saban, who did not hesitate to draw a notable comparison when discussing the young receiver. During […] The post Ohio State football news: Nick…",
  "key_points": [
    "Nick Saban compares Smith to NFL legend Julio Jones",
    "Smith had 12 receptions for 217 yards and 4 TDs vs Illinois",
    "Buckeyes led 42-19, extending 10-game winning streak"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Notre Dame is crushing opponents according to data in its 4-0 start",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/notre-dame-is-crushing-opponents-according-to-data-in-its-4-0-start",
        "published": "2026-09-29T10:09:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}