The Ohio State Buckeyes enter Week 13 undefeated at 10-0 and playing the Rutgers Black Knights at home. Unfortunately, they could be down both of their top two wide receivers: Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.
Jeremiah Smith’s Injury Status Against Rutgers
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Smith and Tate were considered “day-to-day” with lower-body injuries but were ultimately ruled out and seen wearing street clothes during warmups.
Sources: Ohio State star wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are not expected to play against Rutgers today. Both are considered day-to-day as they deal with lower body injuries. pic.twitter.com/IpAhi5Of8J
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 22, 2025
Earlier in the week, head coach Ryan Day commented on his elite pass catchers’ injuries, “They’re working hard to get back on the field. That’s it That’s what they’re focused on I don’t really have much more of an update other than that.”
Smith only played in the first half of Ohio State’s 48-10 blowout win over the UCLA Bruins last week and was seen walking into the locker room at halftime with a slight limp. It’s important to note that he had entered that contest as questionable.
Tate, meanwhile, was last seen on the field Nov. 1 against the Penn State Nittany Lions. He suffered an undisclosed injury during warmups a week later for the Buckeyes’ date with the Purdue Boilermakers and has not suited up since.
KEEP READING: College Football Bowl Tracker and Clinching Scenarios in Week 13
QB Julian Sayin will have his hands full against the Scarlet Knights, as Smith (69-902-10 receiving line) and Tate (39-711-7) have accounted for a whopping 57% of the receiving production, with just one WR owning over 100 yards on the year (Brandon Innis, 210).
As a result, the rising signal-caller will presumably spread the ball around, with Innis, TE Max Klare, and RBs CJ Donaldson and Bo Jackson likely receiving the majority of the looks, not to mention more ground work for the backs.
