The Fighting Illini could not stop Smith, who scored four total touchdowns in a career-best day.
Saturday's game against the No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes was an opportunity for the Illinois Fighting Illini to prove they could go toe-to-toe against one of the Big Ten's best teams. Instead, the game was a showcase for OSU wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The junior wideout — who became Ohio State's all-time leading receiver last week — set career highs across the board with 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns as the Buckeyes thrashed Illinois, 42-19.
Illinois fell to 2-2 on the season after losing its Big Ten opener, while Ohio State advanced to 3-1. The Buckeyes won their 11th straight game over Illinois and retained the Illibuck trophy.
Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser was largely held in check, completing 21 of his 37 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown. Running back Aidan Laughery went for 113 yards on 11 carries, Hudson Clement caught five passes for 87 yards and Collin Dixon hauled in five receptions for 63 yards.
Smith's quarterback, Julian Sayin, was 27-for-36 with 367 yards and five total touchdowns.
Ohio State jumped out to an early lead behind the Sayin-Smith connection. The Buckeyes marched right down the field, with the drive culminating in a seven-yard strike to Smith. OSU didn't wait long to attack the Illini defense again, as Sayin launched a 72-yard touchdown pass to Smith on the ensuing drive. Smith had Illinois safety Mac Resetich spinning in circles as he maneuvered his way to the end zone.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) jukes around Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Mac Resetich (0) on his way to the endzone during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 26, 2026. The Illinois rushing attack then found its footing. A 37-yard rush by Laughery got the Illini down the field before Jordan Anderson earned his team its first score of the day on a 22-yard touchdown run.
Ohio State found paydirt twice more before halftime. Smith secured his third touchdown of the half with a nine-yard reception, and after the Illini kicked a field goal, Sayin ran in a touchdown from seven yards out with 15 seconds remaining. The score put the Buckeyes ahead at the break, 28-10.
Illinois kicked a field goal to start the third quarter and took the ball into the red zone on its following drive. However, Brayden Trimble couldn't haul in a fourth-down pass and the Illini turned the ball over on downs.
Smith capitalized with his fourth touchdown of the day. His 26-yard score put Ohio State's all-time leading receiver over 200 yards for the day and gave the Buckeyes a 35-13 lead.
Houser found Ty Robinson for a 27-yard touchdown, but Illinois' deficit was too much to overcome. The Buckeyes eventually scored again and held on for the 42-19 victory.
The Fighting Illini will return to Champaign next Saturday to host the Purdue Boilermakers as they look to win their first Big Ten game of the season.
