Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian is drawing on his NFL experience coaching ex-Falcons Star to devise a strategy against Ohio State’s star receiver Jeremiah Smith, whom Buckeyes coach Ryan Day says is bigger, stronger, and faster in 2025.
In a discussion on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Sarkisian outlined a multifaceted defensive approach to contain the first-team All-American, emphasizing constant awareness of Smith’s position and more.
Steve Sarkisian Shares His Game Plan To Take Care Of Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
When analyst Colin Cowherd asked, “When you play a guy like Jeremiah Smith, do you bracket him? Do you double him? Do you trust your corners?… Is there a perfect strategy?” Sarkisian replied, “You know, it’s interesting. I had a chance to coach Julio Jones for two years in Atlanta, he reminds me a lot of him.”
“So big and physical, yet fast. He covers ground, is strong at the point of attack, and makes contested catches,” He continued, “I do think at the end of the day, that’s where your attention needs to be.”
Talking about the best strategy to deal with him, he said, “Ideally, you’ve got multiple people with eyes on him and guarding him… But you still have to figure out a way to play great team defense, and you’ve got to have the ability to stop the run, and you’ve got to cover the two other wideouts they have, who are two really good players too.”
Sarkisian noted Smith’s versatility, saying, “He’s going to be moving around. He’s not going to be lining up in one position all the time,” requiring Texas to know where number four is at all times.
Jeremiah Smith’s ‘Better Than Ever’ Says Ryan Day
At Big Ten Media Days on July 22, Ryan Day praised Smith’s physical and mental growth, saying, “He’s gotten bigger and stronger and faster than he was last year… He’s the first guy every single time. He just sets such a standard. You don’t need to motivate Jeremiah.”
Smith is one of the players who earned the “Iron Buckeye” honor for dedication and leadership. Ryan talked about his determination and ethics, saying, “What he did as a freshman speaks for itself, and… the work ethic he’s brought into this year has been exceptional.”
Smith’s competitive spirit and vow to make sure his team comes out on top in all the matchups they face give him his edge.
“He’s very, very competitive, and he’s not used to losing,” Day said. “When you ask a question, you’re going to get a genuine, authentic response from Jeremiah, and I think the guys feed off of that.”
As the Longhorns prepare to face the Buckeyes, Sarkisian’s strategies to deal with the No. 4 set the stage for a pivotal battle, where containing Smith could determine Texas’s success against a reloaded Ohio State squad.
