Ohio State Star Jeremiah Smith Laughs Off Shocking Illinois Defender Before Iowa Showdown

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith put on a show Saturday against Illinois, racking up 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-19 Buckeyes win. But it was his reaction to one particular highlight that had everyone talking after the game.

When a reporter asked Smith if he ever feels bad for a defender after making a play that leaves him in a tough spot, the star receiver didn't exactly offer much sympathy.

I could say I feel bad for him. When I did that, I just started laughing when it happened. I feel kind of bad for him, Smith said during the post-game press conference.

The victim of Smith's laughter was Illinois defensive back Mac Resetich, who got turned around on a 72-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Quarterback Julian Sayin hit Smith deep down the middle, and Smith's double move left Resetich spinning while the receiver sprinted untouched into the end zone.

Smith's route running has become a game-changer

That play wasn't just about speed. Smith has always been fast, but this season he's added polish to his route running, and it's making him nearly impossible to defend.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day highlighted the double move as evidence of Smith's growth.

The double move, I mean, he spun the guy around, which was well timed and thought out, Day said. In the past, he's so fast sometimes he would run the route and still do a great job, but you're seeing a little bit more definition on the route.

Sayin also revealed the play wasn't improvised. The Buckeyes worked on that exact route during the week, and it paid off in a big way.

Smith's afternoon included a seven-yard touchdown catch where he gained leverage on Illinois defensive back Juice Clark, a contested grab in the corner of the end zone with his left foot barely in bounds, and a 26-yard score in the fourth quarter that pushed Ohio State's lead to 35-13.

Record-setting performance for the Buckeyes star

The numbers were staggering. Smith's 12 receptions and 217 receiving yards were both career highs, and his four touchdown catches tied the Ohio State single-game record. He also became the first Buckeye ever to finish a game with at least 10 catches, 200 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

The performance came just one week after Smith became Ohio State's career leader in receiving yards against Kent State. He entered Saturday with 21 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns through the first three games, then nearly doubled his season touchdown total in a single afternoon.

Smith made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2024, breaking the FBS freshman receiving record and helping the Buckeyes win a national championship. He followed that up in 2025 with a Unanimous All-American honor.

Interestingly, Smith grew up dreaming of playing for Alabama under Nick Saban, but the Crimson Tide never recruited him. He chose Ohio State instead, turning down offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and USC.

Iowa Hawkeyes next up for Smith and the Buckeyes

Smith's laughable dominance over Illinois sets up a massive showdown for Iowa fans. Ohio State travels to Kinnick Stadium on October 3 to face the Iowa Hawkeyes, and Smith will be the primary focus of Iowa's defensive game plan.

Hawkeye defenders will have their hands full trying to contain a receiver who can beat you with speed, precision routes, or both. If Saturday was any indication, Smith is playing at a level that could make for a long afternoon in Iowa City.

For Iowa fans, the matchup is a chance to see one of college football's most explosive players up close. For Smith, it's another opportunity to add to a highlight reel that's already full of defenders left in his wake.