Following a recent defeat that effectively derailed their postseason aspirations, Jeremiah Smith is facing bold advice from analysts. Former national champion Damien Harris suggested that the star Ohio State wide receiver should shut down his campaign immediately to safeguard his future stock as the top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.
The suggestion arrives in the wake of the Buckeyes' 41-28 loss against No. 23 Oregon, a setback that drops the 12th-ranked program to three losses with three games remaining on the schedule. With a College Football Playoff bid looking unlikely, experts are beginning to evaluate what elite student-athletes have left to accomplish when team goals slip away.
Damien Harris Argues Nothing Left to Gain
Speaking after the weekend matchup, Damien Harris made it clear that he believes the standout pass-catcher has already accomplished everything possible at the collegiate level.
"We just watched Jeremiah Smith play his last snap at Ohio State," Damien Harris stated. "He's done. He's going to pack it up. He's not playing anymore this season. The season's gone. This isn't a CFP team, they were already on the outside looking in."
The analyst emphasized that the player has already secured program records for receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards, alongside a national championship won as a freshman in 2024. Pointing to the current trajectory of the team, Damien Harris added, "In my opinion, there's nothing to gain, there's everything to lose if you're Jeremiah Smith. I don't think that he plays again the rest of the season for Ohio State."
Buckeyes Face Mounting Challenges
The 41-28 defeat to Oregon marked the second consecutive loss for Ohio State. The team's struggles coincide with a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Julian Sayin, which occurred during a prior victory against Indiana.
During the contest against the Ducks, freshman quarterback Luke Fahey threw for 360 yards, though cameras captured Smith displaying visible frustration in the fourth quarter amid inconsistent targeting. Despite jumping out to an early 14-point advantage in the first half, the Buckeyes surrendered 31 unanswered points to Oregon.
Key Facts About the Situation
- Damien Harris recommends that Jeremiah Smith skip the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft.
- Ohio State recently suffered a 41-28 loss to No. 23 Oregon, dropping them to three losses with three regular-season games left.
- Smith holds multiple Ohio State program records, including receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards, and won a national title as a freshman in 2024.
- Starting quarterback Julian Sayin suffered an expected season-ending injury earlier in the year against Indiana.
- Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey stepped in to throw for 360 yards against Oregon.
Draft Status and Individual Accolades
Projected as the No. 1 overall prospect in recent rankings by CBS Sports, Smith previously entered Week 10 as one of the leading contenders for the Heisman Trophy. However, consecutive losses for Ohio State have significantly weakened those odds.
Even so, Smith remains a strong contender for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation's best receiver. Whether he chooses to take the advice of analysts like Damien Harris and protect his draft stock or finish out the final three games—including the traditional rivalry finale against Michigan—remains one of the biggest storylines in college football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Damien Harris and what did he say about Jeremiah Smith?
Damien Harris is a CBS Sports analyst, former NFL running back, and national champion under Nick Saban at Alabama. He stated that Jeremiah Smith should stop playing for the rest of the season to protect his draft stock, arguing there is nothing left for him to gain.
Why are Ohio State's playoff hopes in jeopardy?
The 12th-ranked Buckeyes hold three losses following a 41-28 defeat to No. 23 Oregon and have dropped two consecutive games since starting quarterback Julian Sayin sustained a season-ending injury.
What individual records does Jeremiah Smith hold at Ohio State?
Jeremiah Smith holds program records for receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards, and previously won a national championship with the team as a freshman in 2024.