Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer offered advice to Jeremiah Smith after the wide receiver’s visible frustration during the Buckeyes’ 41-28 loss to Oregon on Saturday.
Meyer, speaking on “The Triple Option” podcast, said he would pull Smith aside if he were still on the sideline. He described the junior as a model teammate based on what current coach Ryan Day and others have shared with him.
“I would probably call him in and sit down and talk to him — and I know Jeremiah but I don’t know him,” Meyer said. “I know him because of what coach Day, and the strength coach, and what everyone tells me about this kid. He’s the perfect teammate, he’s the perfect worker, he’s got a lifestyle that there’s no question marks to it.”
He continued with a direct suggestion for the 20-year-old.
“So, I’d call him in and just say, ‘Realize the camera is on you as much as it is anyone else, probably anyone else in the United States of America. And he’s earned that. So, just hustle back and don’t let anyone start to question who you are.’”
Smith’s moment came late in the third quarter. Cameras caught him yelling toward the Ohio State sideline after going stretches without the ball. The Buckeyes had led 14-0 early before Oregon answered with 38 unanswered points.
Smith finished the game with seven catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. Most of that production arrived after Oregon had taken firm control. He entered the contest with a season line of 69 receptions for 1,200 yards and 14 scores through nine games.
Jeremy Birmingham of 97.1 The Fan criticized the reaction on “Snap Judgments.”
“You cannot be the best player in the country and a captain and all of the things that Jeremiah Smith is and go stomping down the field like a petulant child,” Birmingham said.
Smith has indicated this season is likely his final one at Ohio State. The Buckeyes sit at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten after the home defeat. They host Northwestern on Nov. 14.
Oregon’s rally featured scoring in each of the final three quarters. The Ducks’ defense limited Ohio State’s early momentum after the Buckeyes jumped ahead on two first-quarter touchdown runs by Bo Jackson.
Smith’s 133-yard outing marked another strong statistical night even as the team fell short. His career totals already place him among the program’s leaders in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
Meyer’s comments focused on awareness rather than any character issue. He emphasized that Smith’s standing brings extra attention in every situation.
The loss dropped Ohio State for the second straight week. The Buckeyes had previously fallen at USC. Their remaining schedule includes the Northwestern game before a late-season slate that will determine bowl positioning.
Smith’s average of more than 133 receiving yards per game this season ranks among the nation’s best. He has been a consistent target for freshman quarterback Luke Fahey in recent starts.
The outburst itself lasted only moments on the field. Video of the exchange spread quickly afterward, drawing responses from fans and media covering the Big Ten.
Ohio State’s offense generated 413 total yards, led by Fahey’s 360 passing yards. The ground game managed just 53 yards.
Meyer’s suggestion centered on immediate self-correction in high-visibility moments. He noted Smith’s reputation as a hard worker who avoids off-field issues.
The Buckeyes will look to regroup this week in preparation for Northwestern. Smith remains central to the offense as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season.
