Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith Gets Brutally Candid on Michigan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 2:13 PM ET

Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is considered one of the Heisman-worthy players in the upcoming season..

The Chaminade‑Madonna product broke freshman receiving records in 2024, helping propel OSU to a national championship and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

His breakout season also included MVP-worthy performances in both the Rose Bowl and CFP title game, making him a cornerstone of Ryan Day’s offense. However, his only regret from the season remains the defeat at the hands of Michigan.

In a recent interview with "The Athletic", Smith shifted from polished athlete to unfiltered Buckeye when discussing Michigan.

"I’m not a sore loser, but I hate losing, and losing to That Team Up North was pretty crazy,” Smith said to The Athletic. “In the end, I think it really helped us play the way we did in the playoffs. But I didn’t want to go to Ohio State and lose to That Team Up North.

“I just hate them. Just something about them. For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them. I can’t lose to them in the next two years.” he added.

That vow carries heavy weight. Though Smith had one touchdown and 35 receiving yards against Michigan in their 13–10 loss last season, the Buckeyes sputtered late in the game, frustrating both fans and players.

The defeat lingered, overshadowing OSU’s national title run and fueling an offseason narrative that beating Michigan is priority number one.

Smith’s declaration reflects deeper emotional currents. Ohio State has lost four consecutive games to Michigan, a drought that has drawn both criticism and existential angst from Buckeye Nation.

NEW: Jeremiah Smith Promises to Never Lose to Michigan Again at Ohio State:

“I just hate them. Just something about them. For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them. I can’t lose to them in the next two years.”

(via: @TheAthletic)https://t.co/SX24Waq0Na pic.twitter.com/6eJK8chZjz
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