Jeremiah Smith set to feature as Ohio State faces Michigan today: what his availability means for “The Game”
Ohio State received a timely boost ahead of today’s rivalry clash in Ann Arbor, with team updates indicating that star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is on the trip and expected to be available. The development arrives hours before kickoff in a matchup that will shape the Big Ten race and the College Football Playoff picture. With Smith trending toward action—and fellow receiver Carnell Tate also tracking to suit up—the Buckeyes’ offense regains two explosive options at exactly the right moment.
Jeremiah Smith injury updates and game-day outlook
Smith sat out Ohio State’s most recent outing while managing a minor issue, and the staff handled his practice reps cautiously throughout the week. As of Saturday morning (Nov. 29, 2025), indications were that he cleared the necessary benchmarks to dress for Michigan. Final statuses are always contingent on pregame warmups, but all signs point to the Buckeyes having their premier downfield threat available.
Tate, who missed the last two games, has progressed as well. The pair’s presence would restore the balance of a receiving corps that leans on Smith’s vertical gravity and Tate’s chain-moving reliability. If both are active, Ohio State can return to its full complement of spacing concepts—floods, deep crossers, and slot fades—that stress Michigan’s safeties and nickel.
Why Jeremiah Smith changes the math vs. Michigan
Even when bracketed, Smith tilts coverages and opens windows for Ohio State’s other pass-catchers and the tight ends. His profile this season underscores that impact: a robust reception count, near-1,000-yard production, and double-digit touchdowns heading into rivalry weekend. Beyond the box score, he ranks among the nation’s leaders in contested-catch rate and explosive receptions, the exact ingredients that swing tight, high-leverage games.
Michigan’s defense thrives on two pillars: early-down run fits that create third-and-long, and late-rotation zone looks that bait quarterbacks into throwing short of the sticks. Smith punishes both tendencies. On early downs, his vertical speed forces lighter boxes or safety help; on third down, his isolation ability on the boundary offers the quarterback a clean, high-upside option against off coverage. Expect Ohio State to script early shots to test Michigan’s corners and force schematic adjustments.
The Game: kickoff details and what to watch
-
Kickoff: Today (Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025), 12:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. GMT
-
Venue: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
-
Form guide: Ohio State enters on a dominant run; Michigan aims to extend its recent head-to-head streak.
Keys with Smith active
-
Early explosives: If Ohio State lands a deep completion to Smith in the first quarter, it will distort Michigan’s coverage menu and create room for the ground game.
-
Red-zone isolation: Look for back-shoulder fades and high-low concepts to leverage Smith’s catch radius inside the 20.
-
Third-down leverage: Smith’s route versatility—posts, digs, and outs—gives the Buckeyes a reliable answer against man or zone.
If usage is limited
-
Even a snap count presence can be enough to pull safety help his way. In that case, Ohio State may lean on quick game and RPOs to Tate and the slot, with selective deep shots when Michigan creeps downhill.
Matchup trends and tactical chessboard
-
Michigan pass rush vs. Ohio State protections: Michigan’s edge pressure is most disruptive when it arrives without blitz help. Smith’s availability discourages heavy five- and six-man pressures; any single-high, single-match look risks a one-on-one downfield.
-
Tempo as a weapon: Expect Ohio State to vary tempo after chunk plays to prevent defensive substitutions. Smith’s conditioning and route stamina make him an ideal piece in quickened sequences.
-
Field position and hidden yards: With two top receivers active, Ohio State can be more aggressive on fourth-and-short around midfield, extending drives that keep Michigan’s offense off the field.
What it means beyond today
This game is a de facto playoff eliminator. A strong outing from Jeremiah Smith on the road would fortify his postseason award candidacy and cement his profile as the nation’s most influential receiver. For Ohio State, a win with its stars back reshapes December’s conversation—seeding, matchups, and the path to a title all look different when the full arsenal is available.
Status note: Availability and snap counts can still be adjusted after warmups. Monitor inactives and early series usage for the clearest read on how Ohio State plans to deploy Jeremiah Smith this afternoon.
