Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith became the Heisman Trophy favourite after a record-equalling display in the Buckeyes’ 42–19 win over Illinois. His performance reinforced his reputation as one of American college football’s leading receivers and highlighted Ohio State’s continuing production of elite wide receiver talent.

Smith recorded 217 receiving yards and four touchdown catches, becoming only the fifth Ohio State player to score four touchdowns in one game and just the second Buckeye receiver to combine 200-plus receiving yards with four touchdown receptions. Ohio State has outscored opponents 101–22 across its two games since losing to Texas and will next face Iowa on 3 October.