Jeremiah Smith Breaks Ohio State Receiving Record

Jeremiah Smith became Ohio State's all-time leader in career receiving yards on Sept. 19, 2026, catching a 23-yard slant from Julian Sayin in the first quarter against Kent State to pass Michael Jenkins' mark of 2,898 yards. Smith reached the record in 32 games, nine fewer than Jenkins. Jenkins had held the top spot for 23 years. His career included the Holy Buckeye, a 37-yard touchdown from Craig Krenzel with 1:44 left that beat Purdue 10-6 in 2002, a first-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 29 in 2004, and nine NFL seasons, seven with Atlanta and two with Minnesota. Outlets differ on Jenkins' Ohio State career details: CBS Sports cites 2001-03 and the 2,898-yard record; the Dayton Daily News describes him arriving in 2000, redshirting, starting 38 of his final 39 games, and finishing with 165 catches for 2,873 yards and 16 touchdowns. Smith, a 2025 consensus All-American, entered the Kent State game with 179 receptions toward Emeka Egbuka's school record of 205 and is also pursuing Chris Olave's career touchdown reception record of 35. CBS Sports projects him as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.