Buckeye Nation, brace yourselves! The Ohio State football and basketball programs are buzzing with excitement, and we’re here to break it all down for you. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Jeremiah Smith truly the toughest cover in Ohio State history, or are we overlooking other legends? Let’s dive in and find out.
First up, the NFL Scouting Combine lit up with Ohio State’s own Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese stealing the show. Styles’ jaw-dropping 43.5-inch vertical jump and Reese’s lightning-fast 4.46-second 40-yard dash had everyone talking. And this is the part most people miss: these athletes aren’t just physically gifted—they’re redefining what it means to be a Buckeye on the national stage. Former Notre Dame star Kyle Hamilton even chimed in with a hilarious tweet, calling out NFL Network’s Rich Eisen for the simulcam of him and Styles. It’s clear: Ohio State’s talent is unmatched.
Speaking of unmatched talent, Davison Igbinosun, the ultimate competitor, recently revealed that Jeremiah Smith was his toughest cover during his time at Ohio State. Bold claim, right? Igbinosun didn’t hesitate to pick Smith over Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, two players who were drafted in the first round. Smith’s freshman campaign was nothing short of legendary, with 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning him Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors. But it’s his ability to dominate despite double teams and bracket coverage that truly sets him apart. At 6-foot-3 and 223 pounds, Smith is a force to be reckoned with, and he’s poised to lead the Buckeyes again in 2026 alongside Heisman finalist Julian Sayin and other stars.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: During NBC’s Pro Football Talk, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Kayden McDonald all agreed that Smith is one of the most athletic players at Ohio State. But Styles also highlighted cornerback Brenten ‘Inky’ Jones as a hidden gem. Jones, a two-way standout in high school and a Burlsworth Trophy nominee, reportedly hit 23.5 miles per hour in sprints—faster than any Buckeye. Could Jones be the next big thing? Only time will tell.
Shifting gears to the hardwood, Bruce Thornton is on the cusp of breaking Dennis Hopson’s all-time scoring record for Ohio State men’s basketball. With just 51 points to go, Thornton is on pace to make history during the Buckeyes’ Senior Day matchup with Indiana on March 7. But here’s the twist: Hopson himself is rooting for Thornton to break the record. ‘I’m rooting for Bruce,’ Hopson said. ‘This couldn’t happen to a better person.’ It’s a passing of the torch that symbolizes commitment, class, and the enduring spirit of Buckeye basketball.
Lastly, a shoutout to Ohio State defensive tackle Jason Moore, who recently published an insightful article in The Lantern about the science behind the football team’s nutrition program. Moore’s piece highlights the meticulous work that goes into fueling the Buckeyes’ performance, from smoothies to protein portions. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about what it takes to compete at the highest level.
So, Buckeye fans, what do you think? Is Jeremiah Smith the toughest cover in Ohio State history? Will Bruce Thornton break the record in style? And who’s the next Buckeye to watch? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
