Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has sparked a wave of controversy following his team’s dominant victory over Tennessee in the College Football Playoff. The highly touted freshman, who played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ 45-14 win, took to social media after the game to share a post that many fans and analysts have deemed “disrespectful.”
While the Buckeyes celebrated their berth to the national championship, Smith’s post added fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry between Ohio State and Tennessee fanbases. Here’s what happened, how fans reacted, and what it means moving forward.
Shortly after Ohio State’s convincing win, Smith posted a story on Instagram showing a graphic of Tennessee’s logo being crushed by a Buckeye. The caption read, “We made y’all quit in your own stadium. Stay mad.” The message appeared to reference Tennessee fans leaving Ohio Stadium en masse before the fourth quarter, a scene widely circulated on social media during the game.
Smith didn’t stop there. In a follow-up post, he shared a picture of himself catching a touchdown pass over a Tennessee defensive back, tagging it with “Easy work” and a laughing emoji.
While Smith’s posts were clearly intended to celebrate the Buckeyes’ victory, they struck a nerve with Tennessee fans, who viewed the comments as taunting and unnecessary.
Jeremiah Smith’s social media posts were bold, but his performance on the field backed them up. The freshman wideout was a key contributor to Ohio State’s offensive explosion, hauling in six catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to create separation and make big plays in crucial moments was a nightmare for Tennessee’s secondary, which struggled to contain him all night.
Smith’s second touchdown—a 45-yard bomb from quarterback Kyle McCord—was the highlight of the game, further cementing his reputation as one of the most talented young players in college football.
Unsurprisingly, Smith’s social media activity ignited a firestorm of reactions. Ohio State fans rallied behind their star receiver, praising his confidence and celebrating his role in the team’s success. Many Buckeye supporters shared and reposted his stories, turning them into viral content.
Tennessee fans, however, were far less amused. Social media was flooded with responses from Vols fans calling Smith’s posts classless and unsportsmanlike. Some accused him of lacking respect for the game, while others defended his right to celebrate after a dominant performance.
The controversy even caught the attention of college football analysts, with some criticizing Smith for his comments while others chalked it up to youthful exuberance. “Jeremiah Smith is a superstar in the making, but he’s got to learn when to let his play do the talking,” one commentator remarked.
When asked about Smith’s posts during a press conference, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day downplayed the controversy. “Jeremiah is a passionate player, and I think what you’re seeing is a young guy excited about his team’s success,” Day said. “We’ll talk about keeping things focused on the field, but I’m proud of how he played and how the team performed.”
Day’s comments reflect the balance between celebrating victory and maintaining sportsmanship—a line that Smith may have crossed with his social media activity.
Jeremiah Smith’s actions highlight a broader trend in college football, where players’ social media presence often becomes as much a part of the narrative as their on-field performance. In today’s digital age, athletes are increasingly using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to express themselves, for better or worse.
For Tennessee, the posts add another layer to an already painful loss. The Vols entered the playoff with high hopes but were thoroughly outclassed by the Buckeyes, leaving fans searching for answers. Smith’s taunts only served to rub salt in the wound, ensuring that this game will be remembered for more than just the scoreline.
For Ohio State, the focus now shifts to the national championship game, where Smith will undoubtedly play a major role. Whether the controversy surrounding his social media posts will serve as a distraction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jeremiah Smith has cemented his place as one of the most polarizing figures in college football.
Jeremiah Smith’s postgame antics have drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting the passion and intensity of college football. While his performance on the field was nothing short of spectacular, his social media comments have ensured that he’ll remain in the spotlight long after the game.
As Ohio State prepares for its next challenge, Smith’s actions serve as a reminder of the fine line between confidence and sportsmanship—a lesson he may need to learn as his star continues to rise.