Jeremiah Smith Reveals Who He Wants Revenge On

Jeremiah Smith, the star wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has publicly stated that his primary focus heading into the 2026 college football season is seeking revenge against the Miami Hurricanes. This declaration comes after Ohio State’s double defeat in the 2025 postseason, which ended the Buckeyes’ hopes of winning consecutive national championships. The losses included a 13-10 setback to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game and a 24-14 loss to the eventual national champion Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl. Smith, a native of Miami Gardens, Florida, has been vocal about the sting of the Cotton Bowl loss, particularly because of its location in his hometown. During an interview on the “Cover 3 Podcast,” Smith confirmed that the Miami game was the one that weighed most heavily on him. When asked directly about which team he aims to exact revenge upon, Smith was clear in his response. “Gotta be the hometown team, Miami. Gotta be,” he said, shaking his head. “I heard it a lot every time I went back home. Gotta be Miami. Gots to.” Despite the emotional weight of the loss, Smith emphasized that the responsibility for the outcome did not fall solely on him. In the Cotton Bowl, he recorded seven receptions for 157 yards, including a 59-yard catch, and scored a touchdown. However, quarterback Julian Sayin’s two interceptions, including a pivotal 72-yard pick-six, proved decisive in Miami’s victory. The Buckeyes entered the game as heavy favorites, having gone undefeated during the regular season, yet they were unable to secure the win. The 2025 season marked a difficult year for Ohio State, ending with two consecutive losses for the first time since 2019. The program, which had previously dominated college football under head coach Ryan Day, found itself on the outside looking in for the national title. For Smith, the disappointment was personal, especially given his roots in Miami and the scrutiny he faced from fans and media alike following the loss. Despite the setbacks, the Buckeyes have made significant additions to their roster ahead of the 2026 season, positioning themselves once again as contenders for the national championship. Smith, who has committed to staying at Ohio State despite lucrative offers from other programs, reportedly up to $10 million, has cited the strength of the team’s offensive line, quarterback Julian Sayin, and coaching staff as key reasons for his decision. “I always wanted to be at Ohio State,” Smith said. “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 also indicated that this season could be his final year at Ohio State before he enters the 2027 NFL Draft, where he is expected to be a top pick. While his future in professional football looms, his immediate focus remains on redemption. The Buckeyes’ upcoming schedule includes several high-profile matchups, with Miami being a prime candidate for a rematch. Whether or not Smith gets his chance to face the Hurricanes again will depend on how the season unfolds, but his desire for revenge is clear and public. The Buckeyes’ ability to bounce back from their 2025 struggles will hinge largely on their performance in key games, including potential showdowns with both Indiana and Miami. With Smith leading the offense, the team has the talent and motivation to make another push for the national title. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Buckeyes, and specifically on Smith, as they seek to erase the memories of their recent defeats.