On a field full of future high NFL draft picks on a frigid winter night, the 19-year old freshman playing in his first playoff game looked the best of all of them. Watching Ohio State freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith race past Tennessee defenders trying to stop him in one-on-one coverage was perhaps the most impressive performance of any freshman this season.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith thought his battle with Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy in the opening round of the College Football Playoff

And then Tennessee made a big mistake and left Jeremiah Smith in one one-on-one coverage. Howard saw the mismatch and took advantage, lofting the ball where only Smith could come down with it. Bullseye and the Buckeyes are up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

Ohio State football is heading to its 17th Rose Bowl appearance. But the 2025 version comes with a mega star from 2024 and during the first College Football Playoff weekend. Dynamic freshman Jeremiah Smith gets his first taste of the prestigious bowl game.

The Ohio State Buckeyes exploded onto the College Football Playoff scene on Saturday evening. With an "Orange Takeover" being discussed across social media, the Buckeyes offense quickly silenced any chance that the Tennessee Volunteers had to pull off an upset.

Jeremiah Smith went off against the Tennessee Volunteers in Ohio State football's first-ever home playoff game. The Buckeyes, who were the slimmest favorite in the first round, throttled the Volunteers 42-17.