-
New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.
LGHL Ohio State golfer Neal Shipley tees it up in the Rocket Mortgage Classic
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State golfer Neal Shipley tees it up in the Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
This week’s tournament in Detroit will be Shipley’s first PGA Tour event as a professional.
Former Ohio State golfer Neal Shipley is now officially a professional. Two weeks ago Shipley played in the U.S. Open as an amateur, battling Florida State’s Luke Clanton for the low amateur crown. The two amateurs entered the final round sitting at +4 and were paired together, becoming just the second pair of amateurs in the last 40 years to play a U.S. Open Sunday round together.
Shipley was a little better on Sunday at Pinehurst, finishing two shots ahead of the Seminole, adding the U.S. Open low amateur accomplishment to his low amateur honors from the Masters back in April. Shipley became the first golfer to achieve the feat since Viktor Hovland in 2019, and sixth golfer overall to be the low amateur at both the Masters and U.S. Open. Among those double low amateurs is fellow Buckeye Jack Nicklaus.
On Thursday, Shipley will tee off in his first big boy PGA Tour event as a professional. The Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. While this will be Shipley’s first PGA Tour start as a pro, it won’t be his first event as a professional. Last week Shipley played in the Beachlands Victoria Open in British Columbia, which was the first tournament of the 10-event North American Swing of the inaugural season of the PGA Tour Americas. 10 players from the PGA Tour Americas will earn Korn Ferry membership for the 2025 season.
After opening up last week’s tournament with a 66 on the par-70 course, Shipley would go on to shoot three more rounds in the 60s to finish in a tie ninth place at -15, six shots behind winner Frederik Kjettrup. Shipley’s best round of the tournament came on Saturday when he shot a 64 in the third round.
In his first tournament as a professional, Shipley certainly impressed and showed he has the tools to be a contender for the Fortinet Cup. Because Shipley will be playing in Detroit at the Rocket Mortgage Classic this week, the next time he could compete in the PGA Tour Americas is in the Explore NB Open in Fredericton, New Brunswick which will be played July 11-14.
Prior to Monday night’s MLB game between the Phillies and Tigers, Shipley threw out the first pitch in Detroit. The event was another memory Shipley will never forget in an outstanding first half of 2024. Between his low amateur honors, helping Ohio State make some noise in the NCAA Championships, and turning professional, the Buckeye golfer is hoping the second half of the year is just exciting. Monday’s first pitch also marked the second “Tiger sighting” for Shipley, as he played the final round of the Masters with legendary golfer Tiger Woods.
Shipley’s first round of the tournament will begin today at 2:00 p.m. ET on the 10th hole of Detroit Golf Club. Playing with Shipley during the first two rounds of the tournament will be Adrien Dumont de Classart and Michael Thorbjornsen. This will be the sixth Rocket Mortgage Classic, with the first being played in 2019.
Rickie Fowler is the defending champion after defeating Adam Hadwin and Collin Morikawa in a playoff last year. Fowler joined notable winners Tony Finau, Cameron Smith, and U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.
Along with Shipley, another notable golfer in the field will be amateur Miles Russell, who is just 15 years old. Russell has already made the cut at a Korn Ferry Tour event this year, and was offered a sponsor’s exemption to play this week’s tournament in Detroit. The funniest thing about Russell’s inclusion in this week’s tournament is there is a rule at the Detroit Golf Club that you have to be at least 16 years old to use the locker room at the course.
Who knows, maybe Ohio State will be in the mix for the young golfer from Florida when it comes time for Russell to pick a college to attend!
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
This week’s tournament in Detroit will be Shipley’s first PGA Tour event as a professional.
Former Ohio State golfer Neal Shipley is now officially a professional. Two weeks ago Shipley played in the U.S. Open as an amateur, battling Florida State’s Luke Clanton for the low amateur crown. The two amateurs entered the final round sitting at +4 and were paired together, becoming just the second pair of amateurs in the last 40 years to play a U.S. Open Sunday round together.
Shipley was a little better on Sunday at Pinehurst, finishing two shots ahead of the Seminole, adding the U.S. Open low amateur accomplishment to his low amateur honors from the Masters back in April. Shipley became the first golfer to achieve the feat since Viktor Hovland in 2019, and sixth golfer overall to be the low amateur at both the Masters and U.S. Open. Among those double low amateurs is fellow Buckeye Jack Nicklaus.
On Thursday, Shipley will tee off in his first big boy PGA Tour event as a professional. The Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. While this will be Shipley’s first PGA Tour start as a pro, it won’t be his first event as a professional. Last week Shipley played in the Beachlands Victoria Open in British Columbia, which was the first tournament of the 10-event North American Swing of the inaugural season of the PGA Tour Americas. 10 players from the PGA Tour Americas will earn Korn Ferry membership for the 2025 season.
After opening up last week’s tournament with a 66 on the par-70 course, Shipley would go on to shoot three more rounds in the 60s to finish in a tie ninth place at -15, six shots behind winner Frederik Kjettrup. Shipley’s best round of the tournament came on Saturday when he shot a 64 in the third round.
In his first tournament as a professional, Shipley certainly impressed and showed he has the tools to be a contender for the Fortinet Cup. Because Shipley will be playing in Detroit at the Rocket Mortgage Classic this week, the next time he could compete in the PGA Tour Americas is in the Explore NB Open in Fredericton, New Brunswick which will be played July 11-14.
Two weeks ago: Low am honors @USOpenGolf
Last week: T9 on @PGATOURAmericas
Monday: First pitch at @Tigers game
This week: TOUR debut as a pro @RocketClassic
It's Neal Shipley's world and we're just living in it. pic.twitter.com/UGCkbEkDZO
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 25, 2024
Prior to Monday night’s MLB game between the Phillies and Tigers, Shipley threw out the first pitch in Detroit. The event was another memory Shipley will never forget in an outstanding first half of 2024. Between his low amateur honors, helping Ohio State make some noise in the NCAA Championships, and turning professional, the Buckeye golfer is hoping the second half of the year is just exciting. Monday’s first pitch also marked the second “Tiger sighting” for Shipley, as he played the final round of the Masters with legendary golfer Tiger Woods.
Shipley’s first round of the tournament will begin today at 2:00 p.m. ET on the 10th hole of Detroit Golf Club. Playing with Shipley during the first two rounds of the tournament will be Adrien Dumont de Classart and Michael Thorbjornsen. This will be the sixth Rocket Mortgage Classic, with the first being played in 2019.
Rickie Fowler is the defending champion after defeating Adam Hadwin and Collin Morikawa in a playoff last year. Fowler joined notable winners Tony Finau, Cameron Smith, and U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.
Along with Shipley, another notable golfer in the field will be amateur Miles Russell, who is just 15 years old. Russell has already made the cut at a Korn Ferry Tour event this year, and was offered a sponsor’s exemption to play this week’s tournament in Detroit. The funniest thing about Russell’s inclusion in this week’s tournament is there is a rule at the Detroit Golf Club that you have to be at least 16 years old to use the locker room at the course.
Who knows, maybe Ohio State will be in the mix for the young golfer from Florida when it comes time for Russell to pick a college to attend!
Continue reading...
LGHL Jordon Davison's decision coming Friday, Ohio State trending for four-star DT
- News
- 0 Replies
Jordon Davison's decision coming Friday, Ohio State trending for four-star DT
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jordon Davison | 247Sports
The recruiting grind continues with plenty of news surrounding Ohio State.
Thanks to the commitments of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, Ohio State’s running back situation has really come into form the last month. With two players committed who are at the top of the board for this coaching staff, Carlos Locklyn has done a great job since his arrival in Columbus, which is a nice change of pace.
The Buckeyes want to bring in three running backs in this class, and the player that had been linked to that final spot had previously been California native and Mater Dei product, Jordon Davison. The No. 96 player nationally and the sixth-best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite, Davison’s recruitment is coming to a close this week.
On Wednesday, Davison released a decision date of June 28. Down to just four schools, the Buckeyes join the likes of Oregon, Michigan, and Alabama to round out the finalists. However, there’s been some talk that while Jordon’s official visit to Columbus went well, it is no longer Ohio State in the driver’s seat for this recruitment.
Content with the current two guys they already have, that has allowed the other three schools to really see their stock rise, with Oregon maybe the highest. It seems as though with Jackson and West in the fold, Lockyln and the Buckeyes have switched their focus to guys like Alabama commit Anthony Rogers and Tennessee native Shekai Mills-Knight. For whatever reason, Ohio State has, for all intents and purposes, removed itself from the Davison sweepstakes.
At any rate, Ohio State will know their fate on Friday when his decision goes public, and while he will not be the third player at the position in the class, this running back haul is still a great one — with potentially more to come.
Earlier this week, Ohio State started to see some good news by way of four-star defensive tackle Maxwell Roy trending towards the Buckeyes, and on Wednesday fellow 2025 defensive tackle target Trajen Odom joined the Crystal Ball fun when multiple predictions were submitted for him to also end up in Columbus.
The No. 283 player nationally and No. 31 defensive tackle per the 247Sports Composite, Odom is another North Carolina native that Larry Johnson is after. With that having gone well before with guys like Tyliek Williams, surely his example helps in this recruitment.
Seeing predictions submitted by insiders such as Bill Kurelic certainly helps the confidence meter that the Buckeyes will win out in the end. If they do, it further boosts an already loaded defensive line haul. With other offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Oregon, USC, and plenty of others, this would be a major win for Ohio State — and it could be coming soon.
Maybe the most talent-rich event of the summer, the Buckeyes saw some of their commits perform at a very high level this week against some of the best players the country has to offer at the Rivals Five-Star event. Showing some insight into how solid this 2025 haul is thus far, Ohio State’s staff has to love what they’re seeing out of their future players.
Starting on the offensive line, Carter Lowe made his presence known right away, winning multiple reps against players that will be difference makers at the next level. Showing quick feet and a burst off the ball, Lowe’s college-ready frame moves extremely well already, and will be a great addition to the current roster.
Switching to the defensive side of the ball and checking in on Ohio State’s latest commit, Zion Grady was also a menace in his one-on-one drills. An incredible combination of speed and power off the ball, Grady showed why he is one of the best in the country at rushing the quarterback, and did so with some pretty veteran moves.
Just more reason to be excited that Ohio State was able to steal one away from Alabama, Grady’s athleticism is off the charts, and a perfect canvas for LJ to continue developing.
For now, St. Clair ranks as the No. 14 player nationally and third-best quarterback in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite, and there is a chance that those numbers get even better before signing day.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jordon Davison | 247Sports
The recruiting grind continues with plenty of news surrounding Ohio State.
Thanks to the commitments of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, Ohio State’s running back situation has really come into form the last month. With two players committed who are at the top of the board for this coaching staff, Carlos Locklyn has done a great job since his arrival in Columbus, which is a nice change of pace.
The Buckeyes want to bring in three running backs in this class, and the player that had been linked to that final spot had previously been California native and Mater Dei product, Jordon Davison. The No. 96 player nationally and the sixth-best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite, Davison’s recruitment is coming to a close this week.
On Wednesday, Davison released a decision date of June 28. Down to just four schools, the Buckeyes join the likes of Oregon, Michigan, and Alabama to round out the finalists. However, there’s been some talk that while Jordon’s official visit to Columbus went well, it is no longer Ohio State in the driver’s seat for this recruitment.
Content with the current two guys they already have, that has allowed the other three schools to really see their stock rise, with Oregon maybe the highest. It seems as though with Jackson and West in the fold, Lockyln and the Buckeyes have switched their focus to guys like Alabama commit Anthony Rogers and Tennessee native Shekai Mills-Knight. For whatever reason, Ohio State has, for all intents and purposes, removed itself from the Davison sweepstakes.
At any rate, Ohio State will know their fate on Friday when his decision goes public, and while he will not be the third player at the position in the class, this running back haul is still a great one — with potentially more to come.
Crystal Balls are rolling in for Ohio State
Earlier this week, Ohio State started to see some good news by way of four-star defensive tackle Maxwell Roy trending towards the Buckeyes, and on Wednesday fellow 2025 defensive tackle target Trajen Odom joined the Crystal Ball fun when multiple predictions were submitted for him to also end up in Columbus.
The No. 283 player nationally and No. 31 defensive tackle per the 247Sports Composite, Odom is another North Carolina native that Larry Johnson is after. With that having gone well before with guys like Tyliek Williams, surely his example helps in this recruitment.
Seeing predictions submitted by insiders such as Bill Kurelic certainly helps the confidence meter that the Buckeyes will win out in the end. If they do, it further boosts an already loaded defensive line haul. With other offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Oregon, USC, and plenty of others, this would be a major win for Ohio State — and it could be coming soon.
Checking in from Rivals Five-Star Camp
Maybe the most talent-rich event of the summer, the Buckeyes saw some of their commits perform at a very high level this week against some of the best players the country has to offer at the Rivals Five-Star event. Showing some insight into how solid this 2025 haul is thus far, Ohio State’s staff has to love what they’re seeing out of their future players.
Starting on the offensive line, Carter Lowe made his presence known right away, winning multiple reps against players that will be difference makers at the next level. Showing quick feet and a burst off the ball, Lowe’s college-ready frame moves extremely well already, and will be a great addition to the current roster.
5️ Ohio State commit Carter Lowe havin a DAY pic.twitter.com/gucfEozjCe
— Rivals (@Rivals) June 26, 2024
Switching to the defensive side of the ball and checking in on Ohio State’s latest commit, Zion Grady was also a menace in his one-on-one drills. An incredible combination of speed and power off the ball, Grady showed why he is one of the best in the country at rushing the quarterback, and did so with some pretty veteran moves.
Just more reason to be excited that Ohio State was able to steal one away from Alabama, Grady’s athleticism is off the charts, and a perfect canvas for LJ to continue developing.
Quick Hits
- Another update from the Rivals Five-Star, Ohio State 2025 quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair continued his offseason dominance by earning the Quarterback MVP honor in a very impressive field of signal callers. An additional accolade St. Clair has earned the past several weeks, his composite five-star status is not only cemented, but also leading many to believe he’s the nation’s top quarterback in the current cycle.
For now, St. Clair ranks as the No. 14 player nationally and third-best quarterback in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite, and there is a chance that those numbers get even better before signing day.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land: The Buckeyes are HOT on the recruiting trail
- News
- 0 Replies
Hangout in the Holy Land: The Buckeyes are HOT on the recruiting trail
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Plus, we talk about some Ohio State records we think may never be broken.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Justin Golba as they discuss Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much more! Come for the hot takes. Stay for the warm ones.
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Josh and Justin are back for the latest episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, and we are talking about the Buckeyes getting hot on the recruiting trail.
A busy month of June for Ryan Day, Mark Pantoni and Company, and thus far it has proven to be a fruitful one. Ohio State gained seven new commitments from the class of 2025, highlighted by Faheem Delane, Quincy Porter, and most recently, Zion Grady.
The latter is a top-10 edge recruit from Alabama, making him the second top-75 player from that state to commit to the Buckeyes, joining corner Na’eem Offord.
Then, in honor of this week’s Land-Grant Holy Land theme, we discuss some OSU records that we think may never be broken... Or will they?
Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. As always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod:
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley:
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Justin Golba:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Plus, we talk about some Ohio State records we think may never be broken.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Justin Golba as they discuss Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much more! Come for the hot takes. Stay for the warm ones.
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Josh and Justin are back for the latest episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, and we are talking about the Buckeyes getting hot on the recruiting trail.
A busy month of June for Ryan Day, Mark Pantoni and Company, and thus far it has proven to be a fruitful one. Ohio State gained seven new commitments from the class of 2025, highlighted by Faheem Delane, Quincy Porter, and most recently, Zion Grady.
The latter is a top-10 edge recruit from Alabama, making him the second top-75 player from that state to commit to the Buckeyes, joining corner Na’eem Offord.
Then, in honor of this week’s Land-Grant Holy Land theme, we discuss some OSU records that we think may never be broken... Or will they?
Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. As always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod:
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley:
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Justin Golba:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Continue reading...
LGHL Broken Records: Which Ohio State receiving record(s) is Jeremiah Smith most likely to break?
- News
- 0 Replies
Broken Records: Which Ohio State receiving record(s) is Jeremiah Smith most likely to break?
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Yeah, I know it’s early and Smith hasn’t even played a game in Columbus. So what?
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about records, the ones that have been broken, the ones that could be broken, and the ones that will never be broken. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Broken Records” articles here.
Look, I’ll be honest here, Broken Records is not the easiest topic in the world to discuss/and or write about as an Ohio State football fan and/or content creator — if your goal is to try and guess which one(s) will or might be broken.
Sure, the program’s individual and team records are easy to admire and appreciate, but taking a stab at which one(s) might fall? I found that it was like trying to accurately predict the next big celebrity to walk up on stage and smack the host of a prestigious awards show.
**FWIW, my money is on Michael Bublé at next year’s Grammys... Just kidding. Maybe.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25504233/2152269354.jpg)
Photo by: Charles Sykes/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Several of OSU’s individual records, specifically, seem made up at first glance. 147 career touchdowns for J.T. Barrett? Braxton Miller is second all-time with 88. He and Troy Smith combined for 156. 22 career interceptions for Mike Sensibaugh? Vonn Bell has the most by a Buckeye this century, and he didn’t even reach double digits. And how about Tom Cousineau with 211 total tackles in a single season!? You’d think he played 20 games.
Suffice it to say, identifying even one individual record that I think could be broken was quite the challenge. Fortunately, said challenge was made easier by the fact that Jeremiah Smith is a Buckeye.
Ohio State’s true freshmanunicorn wide receiver is/was the highest-ranked recruit in program history at his position – which is saying a whole lot – and has done nothing but live up to hype since arriving in Columbus. For that and a multitude of other reasons, I genuinely (and already) believe that Smith could eventually make a run at multiple OSU receiving records.
Here’s a look at the ones that I consider most likely to fall:
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25504221/1043264296.jpg)
Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This record seems very attainable until you look at the recent collegiate careers of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. All (sort of) contributed as freshman and played in proficient, pass-happy offenses. However, Olave played in 47 games as a Buckeye and still “only” finished with 176 career receptions. Wilson had the most catches among the quartet above as a true freshman but finished with 33 fewer than Olave (143), due in part to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
JSN owns the Ohio State single-game and single-season record(s) for catches, yet his career total wasn’t enough to crack the program’s top-10. And despite being the best WR in college football for two years, MHJ finished his OSU career with nearly 50 fewer receptions than K.J. Hill.
In this or any other context, Hill’s record of 201 is pretty damn impressive. It will take a special player and a special career to break it. But the fact(s) that Smith is viewed as both a generational prospect/talent and possible Week 1 starter for the Buckeyes makes me think that 202+ is a real possibility.
Here’s how I think it could potentially play out: 30/85/90 catches for Smith, giving him 205 total. That’s 30 as a true freshman, plus two seasons of elite but not necessarily record-breaking production in 2025 and 2026.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25504223/2841754.jpg)
Here is another record that seems fairly attainable... If you believe that Smith can and/or will be as good or better than MHJ. Which I do. I believe that Smith can eventually become or develop into a Heisman Trophy candidate if he avoids injury and works diligently at his craft (like “Maserati Marv”). If this comes to fruition, Ohio State fans can reasonably expect Smith to finish with more than 1,200 receiving yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
What cost Smith’s predecessor (MHJ) a shot at OSU’s career yardage record was his freshman campaign, when he totaled just 139 yards, most of which came in the season-ending Rose Bowl. Until that game, Marv had been persona non grata.
So if Smith can somehow manage 400-500 yards as a true freshman – challenging another record in the process – and surpass 1,200 as both a sophomore and a junior, then he could theoretically flirt with 3,000 for his career.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25504235/1362316169.jpg)
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
This one is strictly a volume and opportunity play. JSN totaled 95 receptions in 13 games in 2021, averaging just over 7 per. If Smith becomes the monster many expect him to be, and he plays upward of 15 or 16 games – entirely possible in the expanded CFP – he would only need to average 6.5 per to reach 98. Shoot, that sounds borderline easy.
Of course, Smith could also go out and break every Ohio State receiving record in existence — Or none of them. It’s a total crapshoot, really, and these records exist for a reason. 35 receiving touchdowns in a career (Olave) is tough. 17 in a season (Terry Glenn) even more so. And 347 receiving yards in a single game is just bananas.
But in the end, it doesn’t really matter if Smith breaks any of these OSU records. Nor should record-breaking expectations be placed upon him, even given his tremendous talent. This is all just fun and games. All that matters – and/or will matter – is whether he becomes a winning player for the Buckeyes. If he works to become and develop into that, then the rest should take care of itself.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Yeah, I know it’s early and Smith hasn’t even played a game in Columbus. So what?
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about records, the ones that have been broken, the ones that could be broken, and the ones that will never be broken. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Broken Records” articles here.
Look, I’ll be honest here, Broken Records is not the easiest topic in the world to discuss/and or write about as an Ohio State football fan and/or content creator — if your goal is to try and guess which one(s) will or might be broken.
Sure, the program’s individual and team records are easy to admire and appreciate, but taking a stab at which one(s) might fall? I found that it was like trying to accurately predict the next big celebrity to walk up on stage and smack the host of a prestigious awards show.
**FWIW, my money is on Michael Bublé at next year’s Grammys... Just kidding. Maybe.
Several of OSU’s individual records, specifically, seem made up at first glance. 147 career touchdowns for J.T. Barrett? Braxton Miller is second all-time with 88. He and Troy Smith combined for 156. 22 career interceptions for Mike Sensibaugh? Vonn Bell has the most by a Buckeye this century, and he didn’t even reach double digits. And how about Tom Cousineau with 211 total tackles in a single season!? You’d think he played 20 games.
Suffice it to say, identifying even one individual record that I think could be broken was quite the challenge. Fortunately, said challenge was made easier by the fact that Jeremiah Smith is a Buckeye.
Ohio State’s true freshman
Here’s a look at the ones that I consider most likely to fall:
Career receptions (Current record holder – K.J. Hill, 201)
This record seems very attainable until you look at the recent collegiate careers of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. All (sort of) contributed as freshman and played in proficient, pass-happy offenses. However, Olave played in 47 games as a Buckeye and still “only” finished with 176 career receptions. Wilson had the most catches among the quartet above as a true freshman but finished with 33 fewer than Olave (143), due in part to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
JSN owns the Ohio State single-game and single-season record(s) for catches, yet his career total wasn’t enough to crack the program’s top-10. And despite being the best WR in college football for two years, MHJ finished his OSU career with nearly 50 fewer receptions than K.J. Hill.
In this or any other context, Hill’s record of 201 is pretty damn impressive. It will take a special player and a special career to break it. But the fact(s) that Smith is viewed as both a generational prospect/talent and possible Week 1 starter for the Buckeyes makes me think that 202+ is a real possibility.
Here’s how I think it could potentially play out: 30/85/90 catches for Smith, giving him 205 total. That’s 30 as a true freshman, plus two seasons of elite but not necessarily record-breaking production in 2025 and 2026.
Career receiving yards (Current record holder – Michael Jenkins, 2,898)
Here is another record that seems fairly attainable... If you believe that Smith can and/or will be as good or better than MHJ. Which I do. I believe that Smith can eventually become or develop into a Heisman Trophy candidate if he avoids injury and works diligently at his craft (like “Maserati Marv”). If this comes to fruition, Ohio State fans can reasonably expect Smith to finish with more than 1,200 receiving yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
What cost Smith’s predecessor (MHJ) a shot at OSU’s career yardage record was his freshman campaign, when he totaled just 139 yards, most of which came in the season-ending Rose Bowl. Until that game, Marv had been persona non grata.
So if Smith can somehow manage 400-500 yards as a true freshman – challenging another record in the process – and surpass 1,200 as both a sophomore and a junior, then he could theoretically flirt with 3,000 for his career.
Receptions, Single season (Current record holder – Smith-Njigba, 95)
This one is strictly a volume and opportunity play. JSN totaled 95 receptions in 13 games in 2021, averaging just over 7 per. If Smith becomes the monster many expect him to be, and he plays upward of 15 or 16 games – entirely possible in the expanded CFP – he would only need to average 6.5 per to reach 98. Shoot, that sounds borderline easy.
Of course, Smith could also go out and break every Ohio State receiving record in existence — Or none of them. It’s a total crapshoot, really, and these records exist for a reason. 35 receiving touchdowns in a career (Olave) is tough. 17 in a season (Terry Glenn) even more so. And 347 receiving yards in a single game is just bananas.
But in the end, it doesn’t really matter if Smith breaks any of these OSU records. Nor should record-breaking expectations be placed upon him, even given his tremendous talent. This is all just fun and games. All that matters – and/or will matter – is whether he becomes a winning player for the Buckeyes. If he works to become and develop into that, then the rest should take care of itself.
Continue reading...