The Heisman Trophy debate has intensified as the college football season enters its final stretch. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has put up impressive numbers, but former Heisman winner Desmond Howard has questioned whether he has made enough of an impact in the biggest games. That criticism prompted a public response from another former winner, Robert Griffin III.
During Fox’s broadcast of Ohio State’s November 14 game against Northwestern, Griffin challenged Howard’s assessment. He said Smith had delivered in important games and argued that Howard should not criticize the receiver simply because he plays for Ohio State.
Griffin’s remarks followed comments Howard made the previous day on ESPN’s *First Take*. Howard, a former Michigan star, said that Smith’s season statistics and spectacular catches were not enough to establish his Heisman credentials. He wanted to see a performance against top competition in which Smith clearly stood out as the decisive player.
“When you talk about Jeremiah, it’s more than just losing Julian Sayin,” Howard said. “You’ve got to have those moments. In the last two years, give me one game where Jeremiah Smith, the wide receiver at Ohio State, was the difference in a big game in the last two years. This season and last season. Give me that game.”
Howard added that Smith needed to deliver moments against the strongest opponents that would make observers say, “He was the guy.” His comments turned the discussion toward how voters should weigh a player’s overall production against standout performances in high-profile matchups.
The exchange also drew attention to the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. Because Howard played for Michigan, some fans questioned whether that history influenced his view of a Buckeyes star. Griffin, in turn, said the criticism was unfair and called for more respect within what he described as the Heisman brotherhood.
Smith’s record against notable opponents provides context for the debate. This season, he caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown against Texas. He followed that performance with 11 receptions for 206 yards and a score against Iowa.
He also made a key contribution in Ohio State’s 19-15 victory over Indiana. Smith finished with 68 receiving yards, but his fourth-quarter touchdown proved to be the difference. The loss ended Indiana’s 22-game winning streak.
Smith’s previous performances include several substantial postseason outings. He gained 144 receiving yards in the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana and recorded 157 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff loss to Miami last season.
During Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run, Smith had 103 receiving yards against Tennessee, 187 against Oregon and 88 in the title game against Notre Dame. His 56-yard catch late in the fourth quarter against Notre Dame was among the defining plays of the championship victory.
Smith added another strong performance against Northwestern on November 14. In Ohio State’s 28-19 win, he caught 11 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. He continued producing after quarterback Julian Sayin was injured in the October 17 win over Indiana.
Before the Northwestern game, Smith had recorded 80 catches for 1,317 yards and 15 touchdowns. His output remained an important part of the Buckeyes’ offense despite the change at quarterback.
The Northwestern game also marked a major career milestone. Smith’s 22-yard catch and run in the first quarter moved him past John Standeford’s Big Ten career receiving record of 3,788 yards. Smith finished with 3,875 career receiving yards and tied the conference record with 17 career games of at least 100 receiving yards.
Ohio State’s win over Northwestern ended a two-game losing streak following defeats against USC and Oregon. For Smith, it was another opportunity to contribute against a conference opponent and add to a resume already filled with productive performances.
Griffin and Howard have taken different views of what Smith must show to strengthen his Heisman case. Howard has emphasized the need for a defining performance against elite competition, while Griffin has pointed to Smith’s record across major games and objected to the criticism. With the season nearing its conclusion, Smith’s statistics and performances in high-pressure matchups will remain central to the discussion.
