Ohio State football star Jeremiah Smith on notice after monster Malachi Toney game

Ohio State football star Jeremiah Smith on notice after monster Malachi Toney game

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Ohio State football star Jeremiah Smith on notice after monster Malachi Toney game

College football has officially reached Week 1, and college football Saturdays are officially back. A new quest for the College Football Playoff hasn’t just begun. A number of pursuits of glory are already underway, including the Heisman Trophy race.

Some of college football’s biggest stars will be in contention for the Heisman week in and week out. One of those stars is Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Smith is in position to set a number of school records while making his case for the Heisman Trophy. He is coming off a sophomore season in which he recorded 87 receptions for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns.

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Many consider him to be one of, if not the, top favorites. However, a rising star has now taken the spotlight, and Smith might have to play catch-up.

NCAA Football: Cotton Bowl-Miami at Ohio State

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass in front of Miami Hurricanes defensive back OJ Frederique Jr. (29) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Malachi Toney ushers in 2026 Heisman campaign with fireworks

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney had a monster performance Friday night. Miami dominated the Stanford Cardinals, and Toney was a living highlight reel.

The 18-year-old had a historic night, hauling in 12 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns. He put the college football world on notice that his freshman season was no fluke. In fact, with an upgrade at quarterback in Darian Mensah, he might have emerged as the new favorite.

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Now, the Ohio State third-year receiver must answer in a big way on Saturday. Though it is still early in the season, making a strong first impression could get the buzz going for 2026.

Miami Hurricanes receiver Malachi Toney (10) catches a 36-yard touchdown against the Ole Miss Rebels during their Vrbo Fiesta

Miami Hurricanes receiver Malachi Toney (10) catches a 36-yard touchdown against the Ole Miss Rebels during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Jan. 8, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Smith needs no introduction. He was an integral piece of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff national championship run two years ago. However, Toney has proven to be just as critical of a piece for Miami as he was last season.

If there’s a Heisman race to monitor, it will be Toney vs. Smith. With a big performance against Ball State, Smith can put himself back in the conversation.

With Toney taking what could be an early lead in this race, can Smith put on a show Saturday and remind everyone why he is among the favorites?

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