Asked about the biggest controversy in Week 1 of the NCAA campaign, Michigan‘s last-second Hail Mary victory over Western Michigan in Ann Arbor, Sarkisian delivered a sincere, confused answer that only expressed concern about the Big Ten officiating crew responsible for adding one second to the clock and allowing the miraculous touchdown catch.

“I still don’t understand or get the final ruling of it all,” Sarkisian said about the controversial call, via On Texas Football. “Unfortunate for Western Michigan, to play their tails off the way that they did and to lose like that.

“I’ve lost a game on a Hail Mary before and that definitely sucks. I don’t know the exact ruling on the timing. There’s a lot of moving parts that I’m not going to pretend to know everything about. My biggest shock was that they stormed the field.”

Sarkisian’s comments mean more before Ohio State game

With the matchup against the Buckeyes looming on the immediate horizon, Sarkisian’s statement on the officiating crew carries much more weight. Hosting No. 1 Ohio State, there is a lot for No. 5 Texas to be anxious about.

Not only will the Longhorns be taking on whom Sarkisian considers to be the best wide receiver in college football in Jeremiah Smith, but they’ll also face a squad filled with five-star talents that defeated Texas and really made the Longhorns look bad last NCAA season.

In addition to it all, the game at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium will be officiated by a Big Ten crew. That means Sarkisian’s comments on Michigan’s controversial win also hide a dig at those who will be responsible for Texas’ fate next Saturday. By all looks of it, it sure feels like Sarkisian and the burnt orange are keeping their guards up.

Why is Big Ten officiating Ohio State at Texas?

This was agreed upon by both schools when they committed to the home-and-home series for the 2025 and 2026 college football seasons. It’s a common practice across the country for the visiting team’s conference to provide the officiating crew, and this is no different. In fact, it was an SEC officiating crew that was in charge last year when the Buckeyes defeated the Longhorns 14-7 in Week 1.

“I think, one, he garners your attention, and he deserves our attention,” coach Sark, per Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors. “He’s arguably the best player in college football. The challenge is, with him, it’s the size, speed, catch radius. He’s a big, physical guy who can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. It doesn’t always look like it, but it almost feels like it. You can feel his presence on the field.”

Smith is one of the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, thanks to his physical attributes and exceptional talent, which stand out among the receivers in this class. Sarkisian even went as far as comparing him to established stars such as Julio Jones and A.J. Brown.

“When you just talk about body structure, this guy looks like Julio Jones, this guy looks like AJ Brown physically,” the head coach added. “He can cover ground and then, because he’s so strong, 50-50 catches are difficult with him. You have to have a plan.”

How does Sarkisian plan to stop Smith?

Sarkisian made it clear that stopping Smith requires a solid game plan. Names such as Bo Mascoe and Kade Phillips, along with Jelani McDonald and Xavier Filsaime, could be the players tasked with executing it, but they will have to be precise.

“I think like anything when you have a plan against somebody like him, you can’t just throw all fastballs,” Sarkisian said. “As good as a fastball as you have, if that’s all you got, sooner or later you’re gonna hit it.”

An early championship clash

The Longhorns are set to host Ohio State on Saturday, September 12, 2026, under the lights at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET, and with a sellout crowd of over 100,000 fans expected, the energy in Austin is going to be absolutely off the charts.

Smith’s projection for the upcoming Draft

Jeremiah Smith is projected as an early first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, with most evaluators placing him as a top-two overall prospect. Scouts consider him a rare talent at wide receiver due to his size, route-running precision, and physical dominance at the catch point. Unless a quarterback-needy team holds the top pick, he is widely expected to be the first non-quarterback off the board.

Malachi Toney and the Hurricanes defeated Stanford with huge ease. During the game, Toney looked unguardable and shattered a 40-year old school single-game yardage record.

As for Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State also got a victory against Ball State. Smith reminded everyone why he is considered a generational talent, and doing it in a blue-chip program will always aid him.

Malachi Toney vs Jeremiah Smith stats

Both scored multiple times and celebrated with Heisman poses. This means they both are in the accolades business. Toney and Smith are serious contenders to win the trophy, but let’s take a look at their Week 1 performances:

Are both Toney and Smith eligible for next year’s NFL Draft?

Malachi Toney will not be eligible for next year’s NFL Draft. A player must compete in three College Football seasons before entering the NFL Draft, and this is Toney’s second season. Hence, he will be draft eligible until 2028.

As for Smith, he is precisely in his third season. Meaning, he will be one of the most highly-touted prospects in next year’s draft. Given how good the Ohio State wideouts do in the NFL, he will get plenty of top 10 looks.

With that in mind, it’s reasonable to understand why the Buckeyes have decided to change their annual celebration of graduating seniors, even if students and fans themselves don’t agree with it.

As the Buckeyes announced their home-game themes for the upcoming 2026 NCAA football campaign, something caught the attention of fans. Football’s Senior Day will be celebrated in the home opener (Sept. 5) against the Ball State Cardinals, rather than the typical home finale against Michigan. In that sense, Ohio State is shying away from tradition.

Unusual change to schedule

Instead of honoring the senior classmen on the Buckeyes’ football roster in the last regular-season home game, this time they will be honored in the home opener against an inferior opponent, and with the rest of the season still ahead. Considering Ohio State’s recent struggles against Michigan at The Horseshoe, it’s hard not to believe that had something to do with it.

The Wolverines won the last two games in Columbus and boast a favorable 29-27-2 record when playing Ohio State on the road. Maybe the Buckeyes don’t want their despised rivals from Ann Arbor to ruin what’s supposed to be a celebratory day—once again. Losing “The Game” stings badly enough; doing so at home only hurts more, and tarnishing the seniors’ final home game may be too much to bear.

Throughout the years, Senior Day has been held during “The Game” regardless, but it seems the Buckeyes want to break the trend and will go to any length to do so. Fans, however, disapprove. “Quit messing with traditions. Senior Day belongs on Nov. 28th! Something special about it on The Game,” a Buckeyes fan said in response to the team’s post. “Senior Day Week 1 is a terrible idea,” another user chimed in.

Ohio State’s home-schedule and game themes

Ohio State will host seven regular season games at The Shoe, starting off with Senior Day against Ball State in the first weekend of September and wrapping it up against Michigan in “The Game” on Nov. 28th.

While Ohio State steered away from tradition with their changes to Senior Day and “The Game”, they still didn’t name Michigan. Instead, that remained the same, with the Buckeyes referring to the Ann-Arbor school as That Team Up North (TTUN).

Originally recruited as a safety, he has evolved into a key defensive weapon capable of impacting multiple levels of the field in one of college football’s most demanding systems. He made an early impression due to his athletic profile.

Coming from a strong football background, he is part of a well-known family that has produced Division I and NFL-level talent. That pedigree, combined with his development in Columbus, has placed him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.

How old is Sonny Styles?

Sonny Styles is 21 years old. Born on November 24, 2004, the linebacker is still considered a young prospect despite already having multiple seasons of high-level college football experience.

His age is a key part of his draft profile because he reclassified early in high school and entered college at a younger developmental stage. Even so, he has already built significant experience as a multi-year contributor at Ohio State.

Why is he called Sonny Styles?

The origin of the name is rooted in his family environment rather than sports branding. His father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., gave him the nickname “Sonny” when he was very young after the character Santino “Sonny” Corleone from The Godfather, inspired by his intense and emotional temperament as a child.

From that point on, the name stuck naturally and became part of his identity long before he became a high-profile recruit or college football star. Today, “Sonny Styles” is simply how he is officially listed across the Ohio State Buckeyes and all major scouting and media profiles.

How much does Sonny Styles weigh?

Sonny Styles weighs 243 pounds. According to official listings from Ohio State and ESPN, he carries that weight on a highly athletic frame that allows him to play both linebacker and hybrid defensive roles.

How tall is Sonny Styles?

Sonny Styles is 6-foot-4 tall. This height gives him a prototypical frame for a modern NFL linebacker, especially one with coverage versatility and hybrid defensive responsibilities.

His length allows him to cover tight ends and running backs effectively in space while also closing lanes in run defense. Combined with his speed and explosiveness, his size is one of the main reasons he is projected as a high-end defensive prospect.

Sonny Styles’ family

Sonny Styles comes from a deeply athletic football family, with strong ties to both Ohio State and the NFL. His father is former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr., who played college football at Ohio State before being selected in the 1995 NFL Draft and later winning a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams.

His older brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., is also a high-level college football player who has competed at both Notre Dame and Ohio State, where he has played multiple roles in the secondary and on special teams.

The family’s football roots are reinforced by their upbringing in Pickerington, a well-known talent-producing area where both Sonny and Lorenzo Jr. starred at Pickerington Central High School before becoming major college recruits.

Their father has been a constant influence throughout their development, having played at the highest level and later coaching at the high school level, which helped shape both sons’ discipline, football IQ and competitive mindset.

Sonny Styles’ achievements with the Ohio State Buckeyes

Sonny Styles has become one of the most decorated defensive players for the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, earning national awards, All-American recognition and a national championship during his collegiate career.

He was a key contributor on the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship team, where he played a major defensive role after transitioning from safety to linebacker, becoming one of the leaders of the unit in his first year at the position.

In 2024, he earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors, establishing himself as one of the conference’s top defensive playmakers after recording strong tackling production and impact plays in both run defense and pass coverage.

By 2025, he reached elite national status, being named a First-Team All-American, becoming part of a record-tying group of Ohio State defenders selected among the best in the country.

He also became a team leader and captain-level presence, earning recognition for his consistency, durability, and leadership on a defense that featured multiple NFL-caliber players.

Sonny Styles’ career highlights

College Football Playoff National Champion (2024): Styles was part of the Ohio State team that captured the national title, marking the biggest team achievement of his college career and establishing him as a championship-level contributor.

First-Team All-American (2025): He reached elite national recognition after a breakout season, being named one of the best defensive players in college football and solidifying his NFL Draft stock.

Full-time linebacker transition success: Originally developed in the secondary, Styles successfully transitioned from safety to linebacker, showing rare versatility and adaptability in a modern defensive role.

Consistent defensive production at Ohio State: Across multiple seasons, he has accumulated strong tackle numbers, impact plays in the backfield, and coverage contributions, proving his all-around defensive value.

Rapid rise in NFL Draft projections: His athletic testing, size-speed combination, and production have pushed him into first-round discussions in multiple 2026 NFL Draft projections, with scouts highlighting him as a high-upside defensive cornerstone.

A former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, he arrived in Columbus in 2023 as one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects, with elite ball skills that allowed him to carve out a role early in the rotation.

His background at IMG Academy and development within one of college football’s deepest wide receiver pipelines have positioned him as a technically advanced, NFL-ready prospect whose ceiling continues to rise.

How old is Carnell Tate?

Carnell Tate is 21 years old, born on January 19, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois. He has contributed to the Ohio State Buckeyes offense, displaying refined route running and reliability at the wide receiver position.

After arriving as a five-star recruit from IMG Academy, he quickly adapted to the college level and earned playing time in one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country.

How tall is Carnell Tate?

Carnell Tate stands at approximately 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-3 (around 1.91 m).That frame gives him prototypical size for an outside NFL receiver, especially in a pro-style offense like Ohio State’s.

His length allows him to win at the catch point, attack contested balls, and create a large catching radius for quarterbacks in tight coverage windows. That size has translated into consistent usage on intermediate and vertical routes.

How much does Carnell Tate weigh?

Carnell Tate weighs around 190–195 pounds (approximately 88 kg). NFL scouts value this combination because it gives him versatility: he can play outside, move into the slot when needed, and still hold up physically against bigger defensive backs without losing separation ability.

Carnell Tate’s career at the Ohio State Buckeyes

After joining Ohio State in 2023 as a five-star recruit from IMG Academy, Carnell Tate entered a crowded receiver room featuring elite talent, which initially limited his volume.

However, he quickly earned trust through efficient route running, strong hands and the ability to contribute in high-leverage situations. Over his first seasons, his production steadily increased as he became more involved in the offense.

In the 2025 season, he posted 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging over 17 yards per catch, showing his ability to stretch the field and produce explosive plays.

Carnell Tate’s career highlights

• Five-star recruit from IMG Academy: Tate entered college football as one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects in the 2023 class, coming from IMG Academy, one of the most competitive high school programs in the country.

• Immediate early contributor at Ohio State: Even in a crowded receiver room, he earned early playing time, which is rare at Ohio State and speaks to his technical readiness and maturity.

• National Championship experience: Tate was part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run, gaining valuable postseason experience in high-pressure environments against elite defenses.

• Breakout statistical season (2025): His 51 catches, 875 yards, and 9 touchdowns marked his first true breakout year, establishing him as a legitimate downfield threat.

• Elite yards-per-catch profile: Averaging over 17 yards per reception highlights his big-play ability and role as a vertical and intermediate weapon rather than a short-yardage possession receiver.

• NFL Draft upside (2026 projection): Scouts increasingly view Tate as a potential first-round pick thanks to his size, route discipline, and ability to win at multiple levels of the field — all traits that translate well to the NFL level.

He arrived in Columbus already carrying massive expectations after a standout freshman season at Alabama, and has since developed into a key piece of one of the nation’s most storied programs.

His pedigree, combined with his rapid rise at both Alabama and Ohio State, has turned him into one of the most closely watched defensive prospects ahead of the next NFL Draft cycle.

How old is Caleb Downs?

Caleb Downs is 21 years old, born on December 10, 2004. Ohio State Buckeyes’ star safety has already built an elite résumé in college football despite being one of the youngest top defensive players in the country.

According to official ESPN player data, he is listed as a junior and has been active at the highest level since his freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, where he immediately became a defensive leader.

How tall is Caleb Downs?

Caleb Downs is 6-foot-0 (1.83 meters) tall. That frame gives him the ideal build for a modern NFL safety — compact enough for agility, but strong enough to handle physical contact in the box and in run support.

Scouting reports consistently highlight that while he is not an elite-height defensive back, his instincts and positioning more than compensate for it, allowing him to play “bigger” than his listed size.

How much does Caleb Downs weigh?

Caleb Downs weighs approximately 205–206 pounds (93 kg). This weight puts him in the ideal range for a versatile safety who can both cover in space and support the run. His physical profile allows him to play aggressively downhill without sacrificing mobility in coverage.

Caleb Downs’ family

Caleb Downs’ brother is Josh Downs, a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, and both are part of one of the most football-deep families in the sport, since their father is Gary Downs.

Josh was drafted in 2023 and quickly became a reliable NFL target after a standout college career at the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he established himself as one of the most productive receivers in the ACC.

The football pedigree in the Downs family is deeper. Their father is a former NFL running back who played for teams like the Giants and Broncos and later became a coach, while their uncle, Dre Bly, was a Pro Bowl cornerback with an 11-year NFL career.

Caleb Downs’ career at the Ohio State Buckeyes

Caleb Downs quickly became one of the most impactful defensive players at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama in 2024, establishing himself as an immediate starter and the centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ secondary.

In his first year in Columbus, he made an immediate impact within the defensive system, contributing in tackling production, play recognition and versatility to operate both in deep coverage and near the line of scrimmage.

His impact is reflected in his cumulative numbers at Ohio State: over his two seasons with the program, he recorded around 149 total tackles, 4 interceptions, multiple passes defended and a constant presence in key game situations.

In the 2025 season, already established as the team’s defensive leader, he elevated his level even further with 45 tackles in the regular season, along with 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

His role was that of a “defensive quarterback” in the secondary: communicating coverages, making pre-snap adjustments and being deployed in multiple alignments (free safety, strong safety and even nickel in specific packages).

Caleb Downs’ career highlights

• Jim Thorpe Award winner (2025): Caleb Downs was named the best defensive back in college football in 2025 after a dominant season at Ohio State, earning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award for his elite coverage skills, tackling consistency, and playmaking ability.

• Lott IMPACT Trophy winner (2025): He also captured the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which recognizes not only performance on the field but also leadership, character, and impact on and off the field — highlighting his all-around influence as a defensive cornerstone.

• Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2025): Downs was named the top defensive player in the Big Ten after anchoring one of the nation’s best defenses, consistently producing in tackles, turnovers, and coverage efficiency.

• Two-time All-American selection: He earned unanimous All-American honors at Ohio State, confirming his status as one of the most complete and reliable safeties in college football across multiple seasons.

• SEC Freshman of the Year (Alabama): Before transferring to Ohio State, Downs made an immediate national impact at Alabama, where he was named SEC Freshman of the Year after stepping into a major role as a true freshman.

• National Championship contributor (2024 season): Downs played a key role in Ohio State’s 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship run, helping stabilize the secondary in high-pressure postseason matchups.

• Elite turnover producer and defensive playmaker: Across his Ohio State tenure, he consistently generated interceptions, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss, establishing himself as a game-changing defensive presence rather than just a coverage safety.

• Versatile “positionless” defensive weapon: Downs was deployed across multiple roles — deep safety, box defender and slot coverage — showcasing rare versatility and allowing defenses to disguise coverages and adapt on the fly.

After steadily working his way up the depth chart, he developed into a centerpiece of the team’s defense, finishing his career with 100+ tackles and double-digit tackles for loss while showcasing rare versatility.

Following a dominant 2025 campaign that earned him All-American honors and Big Ten recognition, the linebacker quickly became one of the most talked-about names ahead of the NFL Draft.

How old is Arvell Reese?

Arvell Reese is 20 years old. He was born on August 30, 2005. His age is a major factor in his rising draft stock. Evaluators value not only his current production but also his long-term upside, as he enters the draft with fewer miles than many prospects at his position.

How tall is Arvell Reese?

Arvell Reese is 6-foot-4 (1.93 m) and weighs around 241–243 pounds. Those measurements give him ideal size for a modern linebacker, especially one who can also rush the passer.

His length and frame allow him to play both inside and on the edge, making him a matchup problem for offenses. Physically, he fits the mold of today’s hybrid defenders—big enough to handle contact in the run game, but fast and agile enough to cover ground and pressure quarterbacks.

What position does Arvell Reese play?

Arvell Reese plays linebacker, with the ability to line up as an edge rusher in certain situations. At Ohio State Buckeyes football, he has been used as a versatile defensive weapon.

While his primary role is off-ball linebacker, his pass-rushing ability allows coaches to deploy him on the edge, especially in blitz packages. This hybrid skill set is one of the main reasons NFL scouts view him as a high-upside prospect.

Arvell Reese’s career with the Ohio State Buckeyes

Arvell Reese played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2023 to 2025, evolving from a limited freshman role into one of the best linebackers in college football.

His college career didn’t start with immediate dominance. As a freshman in 2023, he appeared in just six games and didn’t record significant statistics, partly due to a concussion that limited his availability.

By 2024, he began to carve out a role in the rotation, showing flashes of his potential with 43 tackles and early signs of playmaking ability. That progression set the stage for his breakout.

Everything changed in 2025. He became a centerpiece of Ohio State’s defense, finishing with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, while consistently impacting games at multiple levels.

He also played a key role in the Buckeyes’ success during his tenure, including being part of the team that won the College Football Playoff national championship in 2024.

His ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and play in space made him one of the most complete defenders. After his standout junior season, he declared for the NFL Draft in January 2026, closing his college career as one of the program’s top defensive stars.

Arvell Reese’s career highlights

• Breakout 2025 season (69 tackles, 6.5 sacks): Reese’s junior year was the turning point of his career. He recorded 69 total tackles and 6.5 sacks, leading Ohio State’s defense in multiple categories and establishing himself as a consistent playmaker. What stands out is not just the raw production, but how he produced it—impacting games as both a traditional linebacker and a pass rusher.

• Strong year-to-year development (2024 → 2025 leap): Reese showed clear progression between seasons. In 2024, he recorded 43 tackles and just 0.5 sacks, but in 2025 he took a massive leap in both volume and impact. That jump is something NFL scouts heavily value—it signals coachability, adaptability, and the ability to handle a larger role in a high-level defensive system.

• Versatile defensive role (LB / EDGE hybrid): Throughout his time at Ohio State, Reese wasn’t limited to one role. He lined up primarily as a linebacker but was frequently used as a pass rusher off the edge, which helped maximize his athletic traits. This versatility is a major reason he’s considered a strong NFL prospect, as modern defenses prioritize players who can impact multiple phases of the game.

• Elite athletic profile (NFL Combine impact): Reese boosted his stock significantly during the pre-draft process, including standout athletic testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he reportedly ran around a 4.46-second 40-yard dash—elite speed for his size. That combination of size and speed makes him one of the most physically intriguing linebacker prospects in his class.

• Rising NFL Draft prospect (top-tier projection): Reese has steadily climbed draft boards and is now viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the NFL Draft.

“But I think it’s just across the board at Ohio State, there’s an expectation that when you come here, you’re coming to be a first or second-rounder, regardless of your position,” Day said on the Not Just Football podcast.

“And that’s it. If we don’t win games and championships, they’re gonna find a new coach. Well, if you’re not a first or second-rounder, this probably isn’t the right place for you.”

Day’s standards deliver results

Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been defined by an elite standard of excellence that consistently delivers high-level results. Since taking the reins, he has transformed his relentless pursuit of talent into a dominant 82-12 overall record, including a nearly flawless 55-5 mark within the Big Ten.

Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have secured two conference titles and reached the pinnacle of college football by winning the 2024 National Championship. Despite the heavy pressure of the Columbus spotlight, Day has refused to compromise on his recruiting benchmarks, ensuring the program remains a perennial powerhouse built on a foundation of top-tier athletes.

Buckeyes strengthen their roster strongly

Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is highlighted by an elite trio of five-star prospects who are expected to make an immediate impact. Leading the group is Chris Henry Jr., a standout wide receiver from Mater Dei widely considered the top playmaker in the country.

He is joined by Cincere Johnson, a physical and versatile linebacker from Cleveland, and Jay Timmons, a lockdown cornerback who solidifies the secondary. These three recruits ensure that the Buckeyes maintain their high standard of talent as they look to defend their recent success.

Building unity within the team

Day knows that familiar faces are being joined by new ones. Everyone must maintain cohesion in order to build harmony and a strong working environment on the field.

“This isn’t just a bunch of guys coming in off the street that we don’t know,” Day said. “Obviously, there’s been relationships built. Doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s not just random. I think that’s intentional, but there’s no question that these guys haven’t played for the Buckeyes before.

“There’s guys in that group right there that have scars here, that have had success here, and there’s a lot of guys that haven’t played one snap here yet. All that comes in, into play this season.”

An exciting start to the season

With the goal of building a title-contending team from the very beginning, these will be the first matchups the Buckeyes will have to face:

• vs Ball State, September 5
• at Texas, September 12
• vs Kent State, September 19
• vs Illinois, September 26
• at Iowa, October 3

“I wasn’t surprised,” Smith said to the press. “I knew, especially at the end of that game (vs. Miami in the Cotton Bowl), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t goin’ nowhere.”

Despite this situation, the wide receiver declined any option to leave. Jeremiah Smith will now play his third season with the Buckeyes and will aim once again to compete among the title contenders.

Smith eyes breakout season

Jeremiah Smith remains ineligible for the NFL Draft until 2027 due to the league’s mandatory three-year post-high school rule. Despite his elite physical traits and record-breaking production since his freshman year, the 6-foot-3 receiver must complete his upcoming 2026 junior season with the Buckeyes.

Scouts already project Smith as a potential number one overall pick, as he continues to be widely regarded as the most NFL-ready prospect in college football.

A big 2025 for Smith

Smith delivered an outstanding 2025 sophomore season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, recording 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. Averaging 14.3 yards per catch, he solidified his status as one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football while leading the Big Ten in several receiving categories.

An intriguing receiving corps for the Buckeyes

Ryan Day will count on a deep and talented depth chart for the 2026 season. Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss are set to play primary roles alongside Smith, while highly-touted prospects Chris Henry Jr., Kyle Parker, and Phillip Bell provide elite depth from the bench. This explosive group will be at the full disposal of quarterback Julian Sayin as the Buckeyes aim for a national title.

Ohio State’s first challenges

These are the first matchups that the Ohio State Buckeyes will face, a team that will try to position itself from the start as a title contender.

• vs Ball State, September 5
• @ Texas Longhorns, September 12
• vs Kent State, September 19
• vs Illinois, September 26
• @ Iowa, October 3

The Buckeyes reached this stage after going undefeated in the regular season with 12 wins, before falling to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game. Now, head coach Ryan Day will look to guide his squad toward a back-to-back championship run.

On the other side, the arrival of Carson Beck has elevated the Hurricanes to another level, turning them into a legitimate contender. On December 20, they took down Texas A&M, and now Mario Cristobal’s squad is looking to knock off the reigning champions.

What happens if Ohio State defeats Miami?

If the Ohio State Buckeyes manage to defeat the Miami Hurricanes, they will not only claim the Cotton Bowl Classic but also secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. There, they would face the winner of the matchup between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss.

What happens if Ohio State loses vs Miami?

If the Ohio State Buckeyes lose today to Miami at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, they will not only miss out on the chance to add another bowl trophy to their storied history, but will also be automatically eliminated from the College Football Playoff. Their dream of reaching another National Championship Game would come to an abrupt end.

When and where do the Buckeyes play the Hurricanes?

The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.