Ryan Day shares hilarious interaction with reporter named Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had a hilarious moment with Jeremiah Smith this past weekend. No, not that Jeremiah Smith. During a press conference ahead of the Cotton Bowl, a moderator introduced a reporter with the same name as the Buckeyes’ standout freshman wide receiver.

As soon as Day heard his name, he couldn’t help but smile. The reporter ignored the elephant in the room and asked Day how the team will capitalize on quarterback Will Howard‘s growing confidence. Day’s answer was perfect.

“We just keep throwing it to you.”

With a chuckle, the reporter acknowledged the unlikely coincidence.

“I know. It’s great,” he said. “I’ve reminded my family many times how amazing the name is week in and week out.”

Ryan Day reacts to a question from a journalist named Jeremiah Smith pic.twitter.com/7FVfToY4LB

— Juck (@JuckOnBucks) January 3, 2025

As long as Howard is targeting the Jeremiah Smith on the field, he should be just fine. Smith exploded in Ohio State’s 41-21 win over Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, hauling in seven receptions for a game-high 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith’s performance boosted Ohio State to its largest win differential over a No. 1 team in program history. As ridiculous as it sounds, Smith’s performance wasn’t a surprise.

The Florida native boasts 70 catches for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He has five 100-yard or more receiving games this season, and has recorded more five-reception games than he hasn’t. While Smith’s greatness has been shocking for fans across the country, Ryan Day never doubted that Smith would be a star.

“I think the way that he’s come in from the get-go, he had a look in his eye he wanted to make an impact as a freshman,” Day said. “His teammates would tell you the same thing. And he’s earned the respect of the teammates, not because of his ability.

“You guys see his ability, but to me it’s the work ethic every day. He comes in. He’s serious. He doesn’t say a whole lot. But when he does, people listen. His maturity, physically, emotionally and mentally has allowed him to play like this. And remember, he’s a freshman. So for him to be playing his best football late in the season speaks to his maturity.”

Even Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was forced to sing Smith’s praises after his performance in the Rose Bowl.

“He’s strong,” Lanning said. “He attacks the ball in the air as well as any receiver I’ve seen. I mean the guy’s NFL-ready. He’s that talented. He’s very special and Will Howard did a great job of getting the ball to him tonight. He’s tough to defend, he’s physical, he’s got all the tools. So, really talented player.”