January 1, 2022. That’s a date that will now live in history for Ohio State, the Rose Bowl, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

While the Buckeyes were without star receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, they still had the team’s leader in receptions and receiving yardage for 2021 in Smith-Njigba. And he produced a performance for the ages in the Rose Bowl.

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When the final whistle blew, Smith-Njigba finished the game with 15 catches for 347 yards and 3 massive touchdowns. His 3rd score of the night gave Ohio State a late lead in the 4th quarter and his final catch put the Buckeyes well in range for the game-winning field goal to make it 48-45.

Here is a snapshot of every record – single game and for the season – that Smith-Njigba posted in the outing:

  • Ohio State’s bowl game receiving record (347 yards)
  • Ohio State’s overall single-game receiving yardage record (347 yards)
  • Ohio State’s season record – receiving yardage (1,605)
  • Ohio State’s season record – receptions (95 receptions)
  • Rose Bowl record for receiving yardage (347)
  • FBS bowl game record for receiving yards (347)
  • Ohio State’s single-game record for catches (tied his own record with 15 receptions)

Simply unbelievable and a night Smith-Njigba and the Buckeyes will not soon forget!