Day spoke about Smith’s mindset on a recent radio show, emphasizing that Smith wants to win and achieve the program’s goals. “He does not like to lose. I can tell you that right now. He got back to work this week and was a leader for us and will continue to be this season,” Day said.
The loss came after a dramatic fourth quarter collapse, with Smith visibly affected as he walked off the field. Even in his sophomore season, Smith has established himself as both a vocal and physical anchor for the team, working to keep the roster united rather than assigning blame for the offense’s struggles against Texas.
“Special in a lot of different ways, and he goes so hard all the time. We just have to recognize that while he’s here, we have something special here,” Day said. “He will leave a great legacy behind at Ohio State.”
In the game, Smith was the focal point of the passing attack, recording 8 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown. All of Ohio State’s other wide receivers combined for 2 catches for 24 yards. When the Longhorns adjusted to neutralize Smith—bracketing and triple-covering him in the final 20 minutes—Texas shifted to a more aggressive man-to-man approach, and the Buckeyes’ production elsewhere struggled to materialize.
With Smith drawing the spotlight, Texas’s defense began jamming him at the line of scrimmage, and opportunities for others on the receiving corps diminished. Smith did have one final big play, a 43-yard catch on a vertical route, but it was the end of the team’s offensive output for the night.
The setback has wide-reaching implications for Ohio State at the national level, affecting Big Ten standings and the path to a top seed in the College Football Playoff race.
What happened on the field that night?
The Buckeyes controlled the game through three quarters, building a 23-3 lead before the final period. In the late third quarter, Ohio State fumbled inside its own territory, allowing Texas to recover and spark a comeback. Three plays later, Texas scored its first touchdown to trim the lead to 23-10, igniting the rally.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning kept the momentum going with a 12-yard touchdown pass, pulling within six points. On Ohio State’s ensuing drive, a third-down attempt to connect with Smith fell incomplete, and a 45-yard field goal attempt by Connor Hawkins missed, giving Texas renewed life.
Texas then drove down the field on its final possession and capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run on third-and-goal with 25 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Overall, the game showcased Smith’s exceptional impact as the primary target, while also highlighting how the team will respond in the wake of a heartbreaking defeat. The Buckeyes will look to translate Smith’s leadership into continued on-field success as they move forward in their schedule.
