Jeremiah Smith's extraordinary performance in a 42-19 win against Illinois was no laughing matter, with the Ohio State phenom racking up 217 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
On one of his many highlight-reel-worthy plays, though, he couldn't help but chuckle.
The Buckeyes junior star's second touchdown of his day was perhaps his most impressive: a 72-yard grab on a deep ball from Julian Sayin in which he caught the ball at the Illini's 27-yard line and toyed with the defensive back, Mac Resetich, who was the lone remaining obstacle between Smith and the end zone.
Smith put Resetich in a spin cycle, initially cutting to his right and then, with
Resetich back-tracking and about to turn around, cutting to his left to leave the defender in his dust as he trotted into the end zone.
The way this one's started, Jeremiah Smith might break some more records today 🔥
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 26, 2026
The @OhioStateFB WR's 72-yard score gives him two 1Q TDs
Watch on FOX pic.twitter.com/bhyB3lbv7e
When asked about the play after the game and whether he felt badly about how things unfolded, Smith said he did — but just a little.
"When I did that, I just started laughing when that happened," Smith said, with a smile. "I feel kind of bad for him.”
"Yeah, feel kind of bad for him."
— Underdog CFB (@UnderdogCFB) September 26, 2026
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith admitted he started laughing after cooking Illinois' secondary during his 4-TD performance. pic.twitter.com/hUYyipVofn
Smith's four receiving touchdowns against Illinois tied a program single-game record. With 12 receptions, Smith became the first-ever Ohio State player with at least 10 catches for 200 yards and four touchdowns.
Smith's career day came one week after he became the Buckeyes' career receiving yards leader in a win against Kent State.
“I mean, if there’s a better player in the country, it’s hard to imagine. Or even just watching him play every game this year," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said after the game. "I think he’s taking his game to the next level this year.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeremiah Smith felt bad for Illinois DB he put in a spin cycle: 'I just started laughing'
