Chip Kelly speaks to Jeremiah Smith's response since Cotton Bowl performance
Chip Kelly understands that Jeremiah Smith had a low output in the Cotton Bowl. However, the offensive coordinator isn’t worried about the elite Ohio State freshman.
Throughout the 2024 season, Smith has compiled one of the best all-time seasons in Ohio State history. That made Smith’s lone catch for 3 yards — and significantly reduced targets — vs. Texas a significant stat, especially after the wide receiver dominated the first 2 rounds of the College Football Playoff.
The good news is that the Cotton Bowl numbers have not deterred Smith. During a Tuesday press conference, Chip Kelly confirmed it has been business as usual for Smith since the Cotton Bowl.
Kelly attributed it to Smith being a “forward-looking guy,” something the OC loves about the freshman. Instead of worrying about the numbers, Smith is ready for the next challenge on his play.
“He’s been great. We practiced yesterday and he was flying around, excited about the chance to go play in the national championship,” Kelly explained. “He’s always a forward-looking guy: what’s next, what’s the next challenge, and what do we get to do? That’s kind of what his mindset has been like, and that does speak to his maturity because he’s always ‘What’s the next challenge?’ That’s one of the things I love about him.”
True to Chip Kelly’s assessment, Smith quickly reacted to the Cotton Bowl on social media late Friday night. Instead of panicking, Ohio State’s game-breaking freshman simply posted “1 More.”
1 More
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) January 11, 2025
It’s also abundantly clear Smith’s output was more about Texas sending extra manpower to account for Smith instead of letting him torch the Longhorns. Smith even reacted to one post on social media that identified Texas had, at times, 3 defenders in bracket coverage on his side of the field to take him out of the offense.
Crazy🤣 https://t.co/SuFmmVV60j
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) January 11, 2025
While Smith did not have the output he wanted, Will Howard took advantage and did his best not to force the issue, outside of one interception to start the 2nd half. It led to a bigger game for Carnell Tate, and the Buckeyes were able to get the win as a result.
However, it’s likely Ohio State will need to find ways to spring Smith against Notre Dame if the Buckeyes want to bring home a title.