Up 10-0, the Ohio State Buckeyes were firmly in the driver’s seat against the Illinois Fighting Illini late in the first quarter. But a crucial missed decision by the referees on 1st and 10 helped result in Ohio State’s first scoreless drive of the game.
Jeremiah Smith’s Obvious Completion Ruled Incomplete in Baffling Officiating Blunder in Ohio State vs. Illinois
With just over two minutes left in the first quarter, QB Julian Sayin targeted star WR Jeremiah Smith 20+ yards downfield along the left sideline.
Despite facing tight coverage from the CB and taking a physical shot from the safety through the catch, Smith got both feet down and held a tight grip on the ball.
This catch was ruled incomplete for Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.
Thoughts on the call? pic.twitter.com/bYxwUyxgVQ
— IG: NFLPreme (@premefootball) October 11, 2025
Yes, the defender knocks the ball out with both players on the ground and past the sideline, but by then, Smith had completed the catch. Unfortunately, the refs believed he didn’t, ruling the massive gain incomplete and sending the OSU offense back to their own 27-yard line for 2nd and 10. The unit went on to punt the ball away just five plays later.
Fans let their frustrations fly on social media. One fan said, “If anything Jeremiah Smith was mugged! Oh well!”
Another pointed out the events of the play and how it cost the Buckeyes:
@B1Gfootball @bigten Jeremiah Smith caught that pass and the defender knocked it jut after he was already down. Terrible and costly call by the replay center. Just not right.
— Thomas Stauffer (@TomStauff76) October 11, 2025
The rage kept brewing, with a disgruntled fan posting on X, “The replay officials really watched Jeremiah Smith catch the ball while being interfered with and overturned it. So annoyed.”
Another Buckeyes supporter chimed in, “How is that not PI on that Jeremiah Smith ball? Dude wrapped his arms up…. But then you call that cheesy one on #1 next play. Refs always gotta insert themselves.”
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All the online complaining aside, No. 1 Ohio State leads No. 17 Illinois 20-0 just before halftime, with Smith leading the team with three catches for 38 yards.
For now, Ohio State can afford to overcome bad officiating against overmatched opponents, but a blown call like Smith’s (in)complete catch could cost not just a drive, but an entire season when the College Football Playoff comes around.
