SPORTS

Illinois can’t stop Jeremiah Smith, who ties Ohio State record with 4 TD catches in No. 7 Buckeyes’ 42-19 win

PUBLISHED Sep 26, 2026, 10:16 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 30

Center 100%

Sources: 30

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a historic performance on September 26, 2026, leading the seventh-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes to a 42-19 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini in their Big Ten conference opener. Smith dominated the opposing secondary by hauling in career highs of 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns. With his fourth scoring catch in the fourth quarter, Smith tied the prestigious Ohio State single-game touchdown record previously held by Bob Grimes, Terry Glenn, Dane Sanzenbacher, and Noah Brown. He established himself as the first player in program history to record double-digit receptions, at least 200 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in a single contest. The victory propelled Ohio State to a strong start in conference play while solidifying Smith's status as one of the premier playmakers in college football. No newer material development was located during the final freshness search.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 26, 1952, Bob Grimes set the initial single game touchdown record.
On November 18, 1995, Terry Glenn tied the school single game record.
On October 2, 2010, Dane Sanzenbacher matched the single game touchdown record.
On September 17, 2016, Noah Brown equaled the single game touchdown record.
On September 26, 2026, Jeremiah Smith tied the historic single game record.
On September 26, 2026, Jeremiah Smith caught twelve passes for two hundred yards.
On September 26, 2026, Ohio State defeated Illinois by forty two to nineteen.
On September 26, 2026, Jeremiah Smith scored four touchdowns against the Illini.
On September 26, 2026, the Buckeyes opened conference play with a victory.
On September 27, 2026, analysts evaluated the historic performance for national awards.
During coming weeks, Jeremiah Smith will face tougher conference opponents weekly.
Throughout the season, Ohio State will pursue a national championship berth.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Jeremiah Smith elevated national championship expectations for Ohio State football.
Possible long-term US impact: Elite wide receiver play will dominate college football playoff discussions.
Most affected groups: Ohio State fans, sports media, and college football enthusiasts are impacted.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official team updates and verified sports journalism.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 30
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 30
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence was insufficient. Center: Reports focused objectively on game statistics and historical milestones. Right: Evidence was insufficient.