COLUMBUS — Jeremiah Smith’s record-setting afternoon against Illinois is bringing home some hardware.
Smith was named The Associated Press national player of the week Monday after catching 12 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns in Ohio State’s 42-19 victory over Illinois. The receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns were all career highs, while the four touchdown catches tied Ohio State’s single-game record.
The performance also pushed Smith to 617 receiving yards through four games, the most in the nation. His 154.3 receiving yards per game also lead the country, while his seven touchdown receptions are tied for the national lead.
Smith also became the first Ohio State player to surpass 3,000 career receiving yards, finishing the Illinois game with 3,175. He now sits within striking distance of the Big Ten career receiving record as his historic season continues.
The junior also earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.
Smith scored on receptions of 7, 72, 9, and 15 yards against Illinois, becoming the fifth Buckeye to catch four touchdown passes in a single game. His 217 receiving yards also tied David Boston for the sixth-most in a game in Ohio State history.
The honors continue what has already been a remarkable start to the season for Smith, who has now produced 100 receiving yards in 14 career games and continues climbing both Ohio State and Big Ten record books.
Ohio State returns to action next Saturday at Iowa, where Smith will have another opportunity to add to what is becoming one of the most productive receiving seasons in program history.
