At a Glance
- Jeremiah Smith will face his hometown Miami in the CFP quarterfinal.
- He chose Ohio State over Miami, becoming a key Buckeye receiver.
- The game pits Ohio State (12-1) against Miami (11-2) on Wednesday night.
- Why it matters: Smith’s decision shaped both teams’ paths and adds emotional stakes to a high-profile matchup.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinal on Wednesday night will see Ohio State’s star receiver Jeremiah Smith go head-to-head with his hometown Miami. His choice to sign with the Buckeyes instead of staying in Miami has turned the game into a personal showdown.
The Big Game
Ohio State (12-1) will battle Miami (11-2) in a matchup that could decide the conference title race. The game takes place at a neutral site on Wednesday night, with the winner advancing to the national semifinals.
- Teams: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Miami Hurricanes
- Record: 12-1 vs 11-2
- Date: Wednesday night
- Stakes: CFP quarterfinal; winner moves to semifinal
Recruiting Drama
Smith’s signing day in December 2023 was a tense moment for Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. Miami had been courting him since his sophomore year, but Ohio State secured the top recruit after a last-minute decision.
- Jeremiah Smith – Ohio State receiver
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr. – Ohio State defensive end, 6 ½ sacks this season
- Brandon Inniss – Ohio State receiver from Hollywood, Florida
- Mark Fletcher Jr. – former Ohio State recruit, now with Miami
- Jordan Lyles – former Ohio State recruit, now with Miami
- Joshisa “JoJo” Trader – Miami receiver, Chaminade-Madonna Prep
- Chris Ewald Jr. – Miami defensive back, Chaminade-Madonna Prep
- Donta Simpson – Miami defensive lineman, Chaminade-Madonna Prep
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Catches | 156 |
| Yards | 2,401 |
| Touchdowns | 26 |
| Games | 28 |
| National title | 1 |
Coaches’ Perspectives
Ryan Day said he was glad to have Smith on the team, adding that the player’s emotional connection to Miami would make the game special.
Ryan Day said:
> “I’m certainly glad he’s on our side.”
Day reflected on how one recruit can influence a program’s trajectory.
Ryan Day added:
> “I think about those things a lot, honestly. But I think it’s all these little things that add up over time. It’s never just one thing, in my opinion. It’s all the little things that add up over time.”
Day praised Smith’s character and competitive drive.
Ryan Day noted:
> “But to watch Jeremiah work from the minute he stepped into our building to where he is right now, he’s got a great spirit about him. He does. And he knows what he wants. Hates to lose. Highly competitive. He’s the type of guy that you just love to be around every day. He’s a great teammate. Obviously, a great player.”
Miami coach Mario Cristobal acknowledged Smith’s talent and the recruiting win for Ohio State.
Mario Cristobal said:
> “Obviously he’s a great player, and elite player, an elite family, and that comes with recruiting. Certainly, whenever you don’t have a recruiting win, if you really are in for the right reasons, you wish a player and his family the best, and he’s certainly done a great job.”
Day also highlighted how familiar faces in Miami will help Smith perform at his best.
Ryan Day added:
> “There’s a lot of guys there that he grew up around, and he’ll be at his best.”
Key Takeaways
- Jeremiah Smith’s choice to play for Ohio State fuels the emotional narrative of the CFP quarterfinal.
- The game features top-ranked teams, Ohio State (12-1) and Miami (11-2), with a national title at stake.
- Coaches emphasize Smith’s character, competitiveness, and the impact of recruiting decisions on program trajectories.
With the stakes high and personal histories intertwined, the Ohio State-Miami matchup promises to be a memorable chapter in college football lore.
