Can Jeremiah Smith's Heisman Trophy candidacy survive Ohio State's sudden QB shuffle?

With Ohio State turning to an inexperienced quarterback, the Buckeyes’ star receiver must keep producing to fend off rising Heisman challengers

With Ohio State turning to an inexperienced quarterback, the Buckeyes Jeremiah Smith is the Heisman Trophy favorite at every sportsbook entering Week 9 thanks to a sensational start to the season that saw him climb to the top of most all-time Big Ten receiving lists. Smith has 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns in seven games this season, only trailing Oregon State freshman sensation Jesse Legree in yards and touchdowns nationally, and is carrying the Ohio State passing offense. Smith accounts for 43.5% of the Buckeyes' receiving yards and 54.5% of their receiving touchdowns this season, despite being the central focus of every Ohio State opponent's game plan. With most of the top quarterbacks around the country struggling in a chaotic 2026 season, Smith has asserted himself as the nation's best player through the midpoint of the schedule.

The challenge for Smith will be holding onto that position as the Heisman favorite to collect college football's most prestigious trophy in December. The fast-charging Miami duo of Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney — who face their own challenge in splitting votes as teammates — present one problem for Smith's pursuit of the Heisman, but the biggest determining factor in whether Smith wins the award will be how Ohio State's sudden quarterback uncertainty impacts his production. Julian Sayin was not