The Ohio State Buckeyes won the 2024-25 National Championship and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was a big part of it. Smith, a native of Miami Gardens, Florida, was arguably the best player during the Buckeyes' Herculean four-game championship run,

While Texas succeeded in limiting Smith, it came at a cost. Fellow Buckeyes receivers Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka combined for 12 catches totaling 128 yards, and tight end Gee Scott Jr. had a career-high five catches. Still, Sarkisian said the priority doesn't change.

Last season, Ohio State defeated Texas 28–14 in the Cotton Bowl CFP semifinal. Smith’s impact was felt—he drew coverage that opened up the Buckeyes’ offense—but he was held to just one catch for three yards and didn’t haul in any of his four total CFP touchdowns in that game.