Ohio State reveals how Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs could further unlock Buckeyes' upside in completely new role

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 10:52 PM ET

Ohio State's performance against FCS Grambling State last Saturday wasn’t swayed by the 47 yards they lost, but those missed opportunities could prove costly in tighter matchups against stronger opponents.

According to head coach Ryan Day, those 47 yards came from punts Ohio State failed to field. Grambling State’s punter, Johnny Schifano, gave the Buckeyes ample chances to showcase their punt return game, launching seven punts during the game as his team’s offense was blanked. Three of those punts pinned Ohio State inside their own 20-yard line, with four going unreturned.

Schifano’s seven punts totaled 292 yards, with Ohio State managing just one return for 8 yards. This gave Schifano and his coverage unit an impressive net average of 40.6 yards per punt, a figure that would have ranked among the best in FBS last season. There's a fix, though, per Day.

Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs are answers for Ohio State

"That's an area, coming out of the game, that we've gotta improve on for sure," Day said. "I think we lost 47 hidden yards with the ball bouncing around on the ground. Now, a couple of them were very difficult because they weren't very well hit. But other ones, I feel like we could have fielded."

Ryan Day said punt returns is an area Ohio State needs to improve on. Said the Buckeyes lost 47 “hidden yards” against Grambling State from allowing punts to bounce. Said Brandon Inniss will still return punts, but Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs and Bryson Rodgers are also options.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) September 9, 2025

Backup wide receiver Bryson Rodgers had a moment to shine against Grambling State, breaking off an explosive punt return that was ultimately nullified after officials determined a fair catch had been signaled. Despite his dynamic play, Day didn’t include Rodgers among the potential returners moving forward during his Tuesday remarks. Instead, he highlighted Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Caleb Downs as options.

The Buckeyes will look to refine their punt return strategy when they face Ohio this Saturday.

"Brandon is still gonna return punts for us, but we also have Jeremiah that we can put back there, Carnell, Caleb if we need to," Day said. "We're gonna stick to it. But we've gotta get better, there's no question. That's something coming out of the game that was a red flag that we've gotta get fixed."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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