Harris urges Smith to end Ohio State season early

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith faces a choice between playing three more college games or resting for the upcoming professional draft. CBS Sports analyst Damien Harris advised Smith to stop playing for the remainder of the season following the Buckeyes' 41-28 loss to No. 23 Oregon on Saturday. Harris believes the move protects Smith's future value as the No. 1 overall prospect in CBS Sports rankings.

The call for Smith to sit out comes after Ohio State dropped two consecutive games. The Buckeyes lost to Oregon after allowing 31 unanswered points in the second half. Prior to Saturday, Ohio State lost to Indiana, an defeat that ended the season for starting quarterback Julian Sayin. Freshman Luke Fahey has started in Sayin's absence, passing for 360 yards against Oregon.

Smith finished the game with seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Despite the strong individual numbers, Harris argued that Smith has little left to accomplish. Harris pointed to Smith's 2024 national championship and his existing record for touchdowns and receptions as reasons to step away. Harris also dismissed the team's College Football Playoff chances and Smith's remaining odds for the Heisman Trophy.

Harris stated that the risk outweighs the reward for the receiver. He told viewers, "In my opinion, there's nothing to gain and everything to lose if you're Jeremiah Smith." This stance goes beyond the common practice of elite players skipping postseason games. Harris suggests Smith should sit out the entire remainder of the regular season. Few players have made that choice before the regular season concludes.

Smith's relationship with the coaching staff appeared strained during the Oregon game. Cameras captured him shouting toward the sideline in the fourth quarter. His opportunities to receive passes were inconsistent at times. He reportedly rejected a 10 million dollar offer to transfer to Miami. He remains one of college football's highest-paid players under current Name, Image, and Likeness agreements.

Smith entered the game ranked second nationally in receiving yards per game. He remains a contender for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the top receiver in the country. Continued play could strengthen his connection with Fahey and improve his award chances. However, Harris argues that injury risk is a greater threat than the potential loss of individual honors.

Ohio State has three games left on its schedule. The season ends with the rivalry matchup against Michigan. Smith must decide whether to play in those contests or rest until the transfer portal and draft process begin. Harris's recommendation places Smith in a minority of high-profile players who end their college careers early.