Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has set his sights on a revenge matchup against Miami during the 2026 college football season.
Speaking at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, Smith expressed his desire to face the Hurricanes after Ohio State's 24-14 loss to Miami in the second round of the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl last season.
>>> WSL Fixtures Released for 2026-27 Season with Expanded League
Despite Smith catching seven passes for 157 yards in that game, Miami built an early two-touchdown lead that the Buckeyes could not overcome.
Smith, a former high school star from Miami Gardens, told CBS's Bud Elliott on the Cover 3 Podcast that the Hurricanes are his preferred opponent.
"It's gotta be the hometown team," Smith said. "Miami.
Gotta be. I heard it a lot every time I went back home.
Got to be Miami."
Miami, under head coach Mario Cristobal, is reloading its roster after a national championship game appearance against Indiana.
>>> Dutch Early Pensioners Lose Healthcare Coverage Abroad from November
Financial investments through name, image, and likeness (NIL) continue to shape both rosters.
Smith earns $5 million at Ohio State, while Miami features transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, who leads college football athletes with $6.5 million in NIL earnings.
In addition to his postseason desires, Smith outlined three specific team objectives during an interview with the Columbus Dispatch on Tuesday.
The receiver emphasized beating rival Michigan, securing a Big Ten title, and winning a national championship before his expected entry into the NFL Draft.
The Buckeyes defeated Michigan in Ann Arbor last season after enduring four straight losses, but they have not beaten the Wolverines at home in Columbus since 2018.
>>> Eddie Howe Addresses Bruno Guimaraes Transfer Uncertainty
Ohio State also seeks its first Big Ten championship since 2020 after falling to Indiana in last year's conference title game.
