What to Make of Ohio State's Injuries Ahead of Rutgers, Michigan Looms

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a one-handed catch in front of UCLA Bruins defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (2) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The injury bug has bitten Ohio State late in the regular season once again.

Last year, the Buckeyes lost their starting center, Seth McLaughlin, for the season ahead of their top-five showdown with Indiana --- a blow that forced the staff to shuffle the offensive line at the worst possible time.

This time, star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are banged up with lower-body injuries, leaving Ohio State's passing attack with more questions than answers.

Despite what people are saying on social media, neither of the injuries sound like they're season-ending, but both remain situations worth monitoring as the Buckeyes prepare for their final home game of the season against Rutgers.

Ryan Day has always been tight lipped when asked about injury specifics at his weekly press conferences, so it wasn't shocking to hear that he didn't want to answer a question about whether or not Tate had a setback in his recovery.

If it was up to me, I would sit out both receivers this weekend so that they can get healthy for the 121st edition of The Game.

As crazy as it sounds, holding Smith and Tate out of the Rutgers game could be beneficial for Julian Sayin so that he can continue to can gain more rapport with younger receivers like Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham, who both played meaningful snaps last week.

In the second half of the UCLA game, it was evident that Sayin and the receivers weren't always on the same page, which led to some of the inaccurate throws.

There's good news, though. Statistically, Rutgers' defense is the worst in the Big Ten and is ranked 120th nationally in total defense, so there should be plenty of opportunities for the freshman receivers to get comfortable, build confidence and help Sayin find his rhythm again.

Whatever the coaching staff decides to do with Smith and Tate against Greg Schiano's Scarlet Knights, Saturday feels like a chance to get right, get reps, and get ready for TTUN because the margin for error disappears on November 29.