Damien Harris Says Jeremiah Smith May Not Play Again This Season

Jeremiah Smith might have played his final snap for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season, according to former NFL running back Damien Harris.

The prediction follows a 41-28 home loss to the No. 23 Oregon Ducks, a result that leaves the Buckeyes with a 6-3 record and fading College Football Playoff hopes.

Harris, speaking on CBS Sports, suggested that the star wide receiver has already achieved everything possible in college football. He noted that Smith has already secured a national championship and holds the school’s all-time records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

“He’s already etched his name in history. He’s got the touchdown record. He’s got the reception record. He’s got a national championship. He’s not going to get a Heisman this year. What’s there to play for?”

The sentiment reflects a growing tension within the program. During the second half of the Oregon game, Smith was visibly frustrated after a period of inactivity. Heavy.com reported that the receiver was caught screaming toward the Ohio State sideline in the third quarter after catching a pass near his own goal line—his first reception since the opening quarter while the team trailed 31-14.

"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." 👀@DHx34 #CFBPostgame pic.twitter.com/ezHkYeUx7D

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While Smith finished the game with seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown, the individual performance could not mask the team’s struggles. The Buckeyes’ offensive rhythm has faltered following the loss of quarterback Julian Sayin to an arm injury. Freshman Luke Fahey has since made two consecutive starts, both resulting in losses.

The fallout from the loss extends beyond the scoreboard. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Smith’s Heisman Trophy odds plummeted from +275 to +700 following the defeat. Currently, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darien Mensah leads the race for the award.

Damien Harris Says Jeremiah Smith May Not Play Again This Season — Photo: heavy.com

For a player of Smith's caliber, the decision to continue playing involves high risk. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has projected Smith as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, grading him at a near-perfect 99. Totalprosports.com noted that while Smith is a generational talent, his recent sideline outburst has raised questions among some observers regarding how NFL teams might view his temperament.

The stakes for Ohio State are equally high. The program faces two upcoming matchups against Northwestern and Nebraska, but the lack of stability at the quarterback position threatens their ability to secure a postseason berth. Harris suggested that for Smith, there may simply be “bigger things out there” than the remainder of a disappointing campaign.

Jeremiah Smith expressing his frustration. This was his first catch since the 1st quarter. pic.twitter.com/Se64KiZuMA

— Post by @CBSSportsCFB on X

Metric	Value/Status
Ohio State Season Record	6-3
Smith Heisman Odds (Post-Oregon)	+700
Smith Heisman Odds (Pre-Oregon)	+275
Oregon Scoring Run	38 points

Despite the grim outlook, Harris noted that one major opportunity remains for Smith to finish his tenure on a high note. The upcoming rivalry game against Michigan remains a possibility for the receiver to represent the program one last time.

Smith’s career at Ohio State includes breaking Braylon Edwards’ Big Ten record for career receiving touchdowns and contributing to the 2024 national championship team as a freshman.