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The Ohio State Buckeyes have been cruising through their national title defense in 2025, tracking toward a return to the 12-team College Football Playoff.
While Ryan Day has benefitted from talent across the roster, he’s also had the luxury of arguably the best receiver in college football: Jeremiah Smith. The sophomore entered Week 12 with 862 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, after entering the matchup against UCLA tagged as questionable, Smith played in the first half but was ruled out for the second. That only adds further intrigue to Ohio State’s wide receiver room, as Carnell Tate was ruled out against the Bruins.
Here's the latest on any potential injuries to Smith after being sidelined for the second half of Ohio State vs. UCLA.
MORE: Latest injury updated on Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
Jeremiah Smith injury updates
Smith came into Week 12 tagged as questionable by the Buckeyes.
Jeremiah Smith, who’s listed as questionable for tonight’s game, warming up. pic.twitter.com/PzfL34RDOg
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 15, 2025However, that initially appeared rather precautionary for any potential Smith injury. He looked as terrific as ever in the first half, catching four passes for 40 yards, including a one-handed grab.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 16, 2025There was at least some level of concern for Smith, though. The Buckeyes took a 27-0 lead into halftime, cruising toward a win, but the NBC broadcast reported that Smith would not return in the second half. Granted, that decision likely factored in the scoreboard, as Ohio State didn’t need its star receiver to close out the victory.
Smith was seen with a limp heading into halftime:
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2025He was then seen on the sideline without his helmet as the second half began, further signifying he wouldn't return to the field.
Jeremiah Smith no longer has his helmet and appears to be walking very cautiously pic.twitter.com/i9Bw87GXP0
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) November 16, 2025What happened to Jeremiah Smith?
It’s unclear when Smith suffered a potential injury, as he played the entire game against Purdue in Week 11, catching 10 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. He was tagged as questionable by Ohio State entering Week 12.
However, Smith did show a limp heading into halftime vs. UCLA, an indication he could be dealing with a lower-body ailment.
Jeremiah Smith still in some discomfort going into half. #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/TJWOUSYGch
— Begs (@austinbegley44) November 16, 2025Ohio State WR depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Jeremiah Smith (questionable) |
| 2 | Carnell Tate (out) |
| 3 | Brandon Inniss |
| 4 | Mylan Graham |
| 5 | Bryson Rodgers |
Smith and Tate are the two alphas in Ohio State’s receiver room, combining for over 1,600 receiving yards this season. The Buckeyes’ offense has run through the duo.
However, with Tate out and Smith’s status uncertain, a few players could step up. Innis, a junior, would likely see the biggest role without Tate or Smith, having posted 180 yards and a touchdown so far this season.
Sophomore Mylan Graham and junior Bryson Rodgers have yet to top five receptions this year, but if Ohio State’s top receivers miss additional time, their roles could increase.
MORE: Why is Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith allowed to wear adidas at a Nike school?
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