Jeremiah Smith injury updates: Latest news on Ohio State WR after being pulled from game against UCLA at halftime

Daniel Mader

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Jeremiah Smith injury updates: Latest news on Ohio State WR after being pulled from game against UCLA at halftime image

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The Ohio State Buckeyes have been cruising through their national title defense in 2025, tracking toward a return to the 12-team College Football Playoff.

While Ryan Day has benefitted from talent across the roster, he’s also had the luxury of arguably the best receiver in college football: Jeremiah Smith. The sophomore entered Week 12 with 862 yards and 10 touchdowns.

However, after entering the matchup against UCLA tagged as questionable, Smith played in the first half but was ruled out for the second. That only adds further intrigue to Ohio State’s wide receiver room, as Carnell Tate was ruled out against the Bruins before an eventual 48-10 Ohio State win.

Here's the latest on any potential injuries to Smith after being sidelined for the second half of Ohio State vs. UCLA.

MORE: Latest injury updated on Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

Jeremiah Smith injury updates

Smith came into Week 12 tagged as questionable by the Buckeyes.

However, that initially appeared rather precautionary for any potential Smith injury. He looked as terrific as ever in the first half, catching four passes for 40 yards, including a one-handed grab.

There was at least some level of concern for Smith, though. The Buckeyes took a 27-0 lead into halftime, cruising toward a win, but the NBC broadcast reported that Smith would not return in the second half. Granted, that decision likely factored in the scoreboard, as Ohio State didn’t need its star receiver to close out the victory.

Smith was seen with a limp heading into halftime:

He was then seen on the sideline without his helmet as the second half began, further signifying he wouldn't return to the field.

Smith did not play in the second half, as expected. Postgame, Day said he is not worried about Smith in the long-term, per Pete Thamel, and that Smith didn't play in the second half with what the coach called a "little bit of a nagging issue."

Day said that the team came into Saturday with Smith expecting "a certain amount of plays he could go" and wanted to play it safe, which was why he didn't appear in the second half, per Cleveland.com.

What happened to Jeremiah Smith?

It’s unclear when Smith suffered a potential injury, as he played the entire game against Purdue in Week 11, catching 10 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. He was tagged as questionable by Ohio State entering Week 12.

Day said postgame in Week 12 that Smith is dealing with a "nagging" ailment, but also added that he wasn't concerned about the receiver's long-term status.

Smith did show a limp heading into halftime vs. UCLA, an indication he could be dealing with a lower-body ailment.

Ohio State WR depth chart

RankPlayer
1Jeremiah Smith (questionable)
2Carnell Tate (out)
3Brandon Inniss
4Mylan Graham
5Bryson Rodgers

Smith and Tate are the two alphas in Ohio State’s receiver room, combining for over 1,600 receiving yards this season. The Buckeyes’ offense has run through the duo.

However, with Tate out and Smith’s status up in the air, a few players could step up. Innis, a junior, would likely see the biggest role without Tate or Smith, having posted 180 yards and a touchdown so far this season.

Sophomore Mylan Graham and junior Bryson Rodgers have yet to top five receptions this year, but if Ohio State’s top receivers miss additional time, their roles could increase.

MORE: Why is Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith allowed to wear adidas at a Nike school?

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