Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is rapidly establishing himself as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy after two consecutive standout performances. In Week 5, Smith hauled in 11 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa, marking his second straight 200-yard game. A week earlier, he recorded 12 receptions for 217 yards and four scores, earning co-Heisman of the Week honors alongside Texas' Colin Simmons.
Smith's dominance has not gone unnoticed. Both quarterback Julian Sayin and Ohio State's coaching staff have increasingly targeted their star receiver, recognizing that even against tight coverage, feeding Smith remains the team's best option. Through five weeks, Smith is the only player among 23 receivers with at least 423 receiving yards to achieve the milestone in consecutive weeks.
While Ohio State's running game has struggled — ranking 57th in rushing success rate and 83rd in yards per carry — the Buckeyes' passing attack continues to thrive behind Smith's exceptional play. As the Heisman race unfolds, Smith appears poised to pull away from the pack.
Rounding out the top contenders, Missouri's Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns, while Alabama's Keelon Russell passed for 285 yards and three scores. However, none have matched Smith's consistency and impact.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing