Ohio State wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are expected to play against Michigan this Saturday, sources told ESPN. Both players had been limited in practice due to lower-body injuries but are anticipated to be active barring any last-minute issues.
Smith missed last week’s win over Rutgers after sustaining an injury against UCLA on November 15. He was seen limping as he left the field during that game. Tate has been out since November 1 and did not play against Purdue after experiencing tightness in warmups.
Key Player Status
- Jeremiah Smith: A sophomore, Smith is regarded as one of the best all-around players nationally. He has recorded 69 catches for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
- Carnell Tate: Considered a potential NFL first-round pick, Tate leads the Big Ten with an 18.2 yards per catch average. He has 39 receptions for 711 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite missing the Rutgers game, Smith remains tied for the Big Ten lead in touchdown receptions. Tate has emerged as a major playmaker for the Buckeyes, making him a critical asset for quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin boasts a 79.4% completion rate with 27 touchdowns and only four interceptions this year.
Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry Context
Ohio State is currently on a four-game losing streak against Michigan. Last year, Ohio State failed to score in the second half of their 13-10 loss. Tate led the Buckeyes in that game with six catches for 58 yards. Smith contributed five catches totaling 35 yards and one touchdown, marking his second-lowest output of the season.
The availability of Smith and Tate could heavily influence Ohio State’s chances of ending the losing streak. Their presence is expected to strengthen the Buckeyes’ offense as they prepare to face Michigan in this pivotal matchup.
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