While I’m never one to root for someone to be hurt, a very interesting development surfaced mere hours ahead of Notre Dame football’s National Title tilt against Ohio State. While the Irish are busy hoping to get some of their injured stars back in time for the game against the Buckeyes, is it possible that Ryan Day’s squad will be without one of its biggest offensive weapons?
It seems that at the very least, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is going to be playing at less than 100% in Monday night’s game. Not that anyone is 100% at this point in what has been a longer season than most schools have ever played.
On Monday evening, On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Smith was working out and stretching with a very obvious wrap over his left hamstring. There hasn’t been any sort of official report that he was hurt entering today so it would seem he’s going to go against the Notre Dame football team. But it’s possible he’ll be hampered a bit.
Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has his left hamstring wrapped tonight.https://t.co/OWKp8uzsvT pic.twitter.com/dhpJYg8irG
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 20, 2025
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If Smith is limited in the National Title Game, it’s hard to describe just how big that might be. The wide receiver was easily Ohio State’s chief offensive weapon through the air this year, hauling down 71 receptions for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns.
While he had just 1 catch for 3 yards against Texas, he dominated in OSU’s first two games in the playoffs. Against Tennessee he had 6 receptions for 103 yards and 2 TDs. versus Oregon had 7 catches for 187 yards and another 2 touchdowns.
It’s not a coincidence that the Buckeyes’ closest playoff game of the postseason came when Smith wasn’t a factor.
It’s safe to say that the Notre Dame football team was looking to make him a non-factor already. That might be easier if his hamstring is bothering him.