Jeremiah Smith touchdown catch creates controversy after near fumble at goal line

Ohio State took a 10-6 lead on Michigan on a 35-yard Julian Sayin touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith, but it was not without controversy. While it initially looked clean, officials took another look at the end of the play.

As Smith crossed the goal line, he appeared to begin to lose possession of the football. If that had ruled a fumble as he crossed the goal line, it would have been ruled a touchback.

In that event, Michigan would’ve gotten the ball at their own 20-yard line, leading 6-3. Luckily for Ohio State, Smith’s touchdown stood after the Buckeyes gambled on fourth down. You can see and make the call for yourself below.

This Jeremiah Smith touchdown catch was upheld — was it the correct call?👀

(via FOX)
pic.twitter.com/Y79vpWrkYB

— On3 (@On3sports) November 29, 2025

It will surely be a call talked about as the game progresses, especially if Ohio State maintains its lead after Smith’s touchdown. But Smith’s play wasn’t the only controversy stirred up in the first half.

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in the first quarter for contacting an official. The Wolverines’ defender seemed to be arguing with the referee and was unhappy, thus leaning into him and practically headbutted him.

It was Barham’s first unsportsmanlike penalty, so he was not ejected from the game. Instead of a third-and-goal, Ohio State was granted an automatic first down, trailing the Wolverines 6-0.

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt called Barham “lucky” to not be thrown out. Ohio State scored a touchdown on a one-yard run by Sayin on third-and-goal a few plays later, but the score went under review, causing more chaos. After review, he was ruled short and it was fourth and goal for the Buckeyes. Luckily for the Wolverines, the Buckeyes committed a false start penalty and had to settle for a 20-yard field goal, cutting the lead 6-3.