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Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith acknowledges recent social media post about Ryan Day that may throw up a major red flag

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Dec 2, 2024 9:41 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes would surely like to re-do The Game, even if it was just the second half where they could get a mulligan. After finding a rhythm by spreading Michigan out with a quick scoring drive before halftime, the Buckeyes came out conservative and ineffective after the break.

Fans could not believe that Ohio State forgot about star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was not credited with a single second-half target after drawing two pass interferences and catching a touchdown in the first frame. He finished with five catches for 35 yards.

Smith's activity on social media after the game has to be concerning for the Buckeyes. He liked an Instagram post by comedian Beverly Mahone, who called Ryan Day "inept" for the Buckeyes' failure to adjust its gameplan. The Wolverines were without star cornerback Will Johnson, but the Buckeyes never attacked the weakness.

Here's the post that Smith liked.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beverly Mahone (@beverlymahone)

Even though Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork backed Ryan Day's job status entering the College Football Playoff, it's clear tensions are high right now. An early exit could lead to a firing; honestly, I think it's the correct move. Losing four straight to Michigan and failing to win these big games screams of a John Cooper-esque issue.

However, the stakes are high. Moving on from Day makes the Buckeyes vulnerable to losing the top recruiting class in 2025 and seeing the roster face transfers. Seeing Smith bolt the program would be a tough one to stomach. Of course, it probably depends on who replaces Day.

It'd be a lot easier to envision the roster being fired up over someone like Mike Vrabel or Dan Lanning than, say, Luke Fickell.

Smith is the Buckeyes' leading receiver this season. He has 57 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. He broke Cris Carter's freshman records for production and will be a Freshman All-American.

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

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