Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith Changes Gloves on Video After 2 Early Drops vs. Texas

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith opted for a fresh pair of gloves after some uncharacteristic mistakes in the first quarter of Saturday's game against Texas.

Fox Sports' sideline reporter Jenny Taft noted on the telecast that Smith changed his gloves after dropping two passes.

Per The Athletic's Dane Brugler, Smith was charged with one drop on 105 targets during his freshman season in 2024.

Smith put up 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman for the Buckeyes. He saved his best for the biggest stage with 290 yards and four touchdowns in victories over Tennessee and Oregon in the College Football Playoff.

Not only did Smith drop two passes in the first quarter of the season opener, but they came on the same drive. His first target of the game was a simple out route that he was unable to corral.

The second one occurred two plays later on a third-and-11 when the Buckeyes were trying to set up a screen. Quarterback Julian Sayin took a hard hit from Colin Simmons, but he got the pass away and Smith just dropped it.

Texas linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith was bearing down on Smith with no one to block him, so that one could be attributed to self-preservation as much as a lack of concentration.

Smith clearly felt the issue was his gloves based on the quick change to a new pair. The game was a defensive slugfest early with both teams combining for 66 yards and no points in the first quarter.

All five possessions between the two teams in the opening period ended in either a punt or turnover on downs.

Saturday marks the first regular-season meeting between Texas and Ohio State since 2006. The two powerhouse programs met in the College Football Playoff semifinal last season, with the Buckeyes earning a 28-14 win en route to capturing the national title.