Damien Harris Says Jeremiah Smith Should Sit Out Ohio State’s Season

Smith caught seven passes for 133 yards and a touchdown in the loss, Ohio State’s second straight defeat. The Buckeyes had opened a 14-point lead before Oregon scored 31 consecutive points. Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey passed for 360 yards, though Smith’s opportunities were inconsistent at times, and cameras showed the receiver appearing frustrated late in the game.

Harris, a CBS Sports analyst and former Alabama and NFL running back, argued that Smith had little to gain by continuing. He pointed to Smith’s national championship, school records for touchdowns and receptions, and reduced Heisman prospects, and said the receiver should focus on his future. Harris also said Smith was projected as the top prospect in CBS Sports’ latest rankings.

Ohio State has three games left, including its rivalry game against Michigan. The team is not expected to contend for the Big Ten title and was likely to fall outside the top 15 in the next College Football Playoff rankings, the report said.

Smith entered the week among the Heisman favorites and ranked second nationally in receiving yards per game. Continuing to play could give him a chance to strengthen his connection with Fahey and pursue the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver. The report noted that while players have skipped postseason games in recent years, sitting out before the regular season ends to avoid injury is less common.