Ohio State faces uncertainty about the availability of star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate for Saturday’s rivalry game against Michigan. Both players have been dealing with lower body injuries that have kept them sidelined.
The Buckeyes will travel to Ann Arbor looking to break a troubling trend against their rivals. While Ohio State has won 17 of the last 20 meetings overall, Ryan Day’s team is just 1-4 against the Wolverines in their last four matchups.
Smith missed the Rutgers game with what the team called a “lower body injury.” He’s posted 900 yards and 10 touchdowns through ten games this season with a 13-yards per reception average.
Those numbers represent a slight dip from his 2024 production of 1,315 yards, 15 touchdowns and 17 yards per reception.
Tate has been out longer, missing the last three games with a similar lower body injury. Through eight games, he’s accumulated 711 yards and seven touchdowns while leading the conference with 18.2 yards per reception.
Together, the two receivers account for over 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
Their potential absence looms large given Ohio State’s offensive struggles in last year’s rivalry game. The Buckeyes managed just 175 receiving yards in a disappointing 13-10 loss at home.
Smith provided some optimism about his status during an appearance on teammate Caleb Downs’ podcast.
“I’m feeling good. Dealing with a little situation injury wise, but I should be good to go Saturday [against Michigan],” Smith said on “Downs 2 Business.”
Head coach Ryan Day remained characteristically vague when asked about both players’ availability.
“They are doing everything they can to play in the game. We’ll see how today goes, but they’re working really, really hard to get back on the field.”
According to Fox Sports, Smith appears more likely to suit up based on his comments. The Scarlett and Game reports optimism about Tate’s potential return as well.
If Tate can’t go, his extended absence could signal the end of his Ohio State career as he prepares for the NFL. That scenario would mirror Jaxson Smith-Njigba’s situation in a previous rivalry game.
The game kicks off Saturday at noon ET on Fox. The Big Noon Kickoff crew will broadcast from Ann Arbor for pregame coverage.
